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With less than two weeks until the Federal election, Live Performance Australia (LPA) and Royal Life Saving Australia have each welcomed election commitments made by respective political parties.

Royal Life Saving has welcomed the announcement that a re-elected Labor Government will deliver a $5 million Multicultural Communities Swimming and Water Safety Program to address the growing number of drownings among Australians born overseas.

The election policy commits to providing up to 100 grants of $50,000 to local governments, swim schools, lifesaving organisations, and educational institutions across Australia to run targeted programs for multicultural communities that lack access to essential water safety education.

With Royal Life Saving data showing that 34% of all drowning deaths in Australia are people born overseas, the program will ensure participants achieve basic national benchmarks including the ability to swim 50 metres and float for two minutes, while learning critical water safety techniques applicable to different aquatic environments.

The policy addresses ongoing concerns about the decline in children's swimming skills, aligns to the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 and is consistent with recommendations adopted at the Multicultural Water Safety Forum, held in Melbourne in June 2024.

In welcoming the commitment, Dr Justin Scarr, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia Chief Executive, stated "removing barriers to accessing swimming and water safety lessons in children and adults from multicultural backgrounds is critical to reducing the tragic impacts of drowning in Australia. Our research shows that creating local partnerships between community groups and local swimming pools leads to many benefits including a boost in swimming skills, increased water safety awareness, and enhanced social connections. This election commitment will be welcomed by community groups and swimming pools across Australia".

LPA welcomes Greens plan for live performance tax offsets
The LPA has welcomed the Greens plan for live performance tax offsets, with Chief Executive, Eric Lassen stating “production incentives are a proven formula for attracting new investment and underpinning confidence for putting new shows on stage.

“We've seen how they work in markets such as the UK, and in our own screen and digital games industries in Australia.

“We know they would have an immediate and game-changing impact, supporting creators, producers and artists in bringing more performances to more Australians around the country.

“Our modelling shows a theatre production incentive would be revenue-positive for government, delivering more jobs, increased economic activity and significant social and cultural benefits.

“At a time of rising costs for production and touring and cost of living pressures on audiences, we need to be pulling every lever available to us including incentives such as those proposed by the Greens to support a thriving, dynamic and diverse live performance industry.”

TTF Pre-Election Leaders Forum
In the run up to the election, Tourism and Transport Forum Australia (TTF) will be partnering with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) to stage a Pre-Election Leaders Forum.

To be held during Australian Tourism Exchange at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 28th April, the Forum will feature Senator Don Farrell, Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism, and Federal Assistant Minister for Tourism, Bree James.

The Forum will address about priorities for the tourism industry, and ensuring Australia remains competitive and resilient on the world stage during this uncertain time globally.

Details
Date: Monday 28th April 2025, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

ATE25 is taking place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre between Sunday 27th April and Thursday 1st May 2025.

Click here for more information on the proposed Multicultural Communities Swimming and Water Safety Program.

Click here to attend the TTF Pre-Election Leaders Forum.

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