The country’s arts sector will get a support boost after laws setting up two creative bodies passed parliament.
Music Australia will aim to boost the country’s contemporary music sector, while Creative Workplaces will focus on raising the standard of employment conditions in the sector,
Both bodies will fall under Creative Australia, a re-named Australia Council that has been overhauled as part of a multimillion-dollar arts policy.
Music Australia will be backed by more than $69 million of funding over the next four years.
The bill to establish the two bodies passed the Senate on Friday without amendment.
Arts Minister Tony Burke said the bill passing represented a significant step.
“This is a decision for safe, creative workplaces and for our music to be the soundtrack to life in Australia,” he said.
“Australian artists have been calling out for drive, direction, and vision. This delivers on that call.”
Music Australia will focus on delivering songwriting and recording initiatives in schools, as well as supporting professionals in the industry and providing co-ordination for live music venues.
Mr Burke said Creative Workplaces would raise workplace standards across all forms of art.
“Arts workers are essential workers. They deserve safe workplaces and fair pay, like any other worker. Creative Workplaces will ensure that,” he said.
The bill forms part of the government’s $286 million arts program called Revive.
The government said further legislation will be introduced to expand on Creative Australia, including setting up a First Nations body, as well a body named Writers Australia.
– AAP
