SYDNEY, NSW (CelebrityAccess) — Live Performance Australia (LPA), the nation's leading music industry advocacy group, called on the Australian government to restore funding that had been cut from the budget.
LPA Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson, said “The Government and Treasurer have stated that the upcoming Budget will be focused on jobs and growth. We are very concerned that due to the unprecedented funding cuts to the Australia Council last year and impending funding announcements next month, we expect to see 40 percent of our small to medium companies lose funding and face going under. That’s 18 to 20 companies that won’t be creating new productions, hundreds of people out of work and lost revenue.
LPA says they were not consulted when the Australian government earlier this year moved to strip $105 million in funding from the arts council.
“We may also see a decline in new Australian works and international touring. These outcomes will be in sharp contrast to the Government’s claims to be supporting innovation, economic growth and job creation," Richardson added.
“If the Government is serious about an innovation agenda designed to deliver growth and jobs we expect to see the Budget return the $72.8 million over 4 years it took from the Australia Council last year so that our major funding body can deliver its Strategic Plan, including investing in the small to medium sector."
