TNA has prepared a pre-budget submission for the 2021-22 Federal Government Budget.

We highlighted the need for $100m (or $25m per annum for four years) for the Australia Council for the Arts to secure the future of the arts industry, specifically to support strategic priorities that drive economic and social recovery post COVID-19. The arts has been one of the last industries to begin to reopen, along with tourism which relies on arts activity as a key drawcard.

Further, Theatre Network Australia worked alongside nine other national peak bodies for the performing arts, and we have jointly committed to calling for investment in the following key areas.

1. An investment in the establishment of the National Indigenous Arts and Cultural Authority (NIACA): $4.5m over 4 years. In addition, a $20m p/a investment in First Nations arts and cultural companies and artists, through the Australia Council for the Arts.*

2. Provide an additional $100 million over four years (or $25 million per annum for four years) to the Australia Council, specifically to support strategic priorities that drive economic and social recovery post COVID-19.

3. A targeted wage subsidy for workers in the performing arts who continue to be impacted by COVID-19, recognising that the performing arts was one of the hardest hit sectors as many are casuals and independent contractors not eligible for support programs.

4. In partnership with industry, establish a $100-$500m Live Entertainment Business Interruption Fund (BIF) to increase industry confidence to re-activate live events at reduced capacity and the challenges of short notice lock downs.

5. An increase of a minimum 40% ($2.8m) to the Playing Australia Fund to reach $10.8m annually to address increasing demand for regional touring and to exponentially increase the program’s impact.

6. Strengthen regional access to the arts and opportunities for regional companies and artists, by continuing the $10m investment made in 2020 over the next 4 years, administered through Regional Arts Australia.

*Further discussion with First Nations colleagues has meant that TNA has changed our position on NIACA, and we will be lead by First Nations colleagues as a new/changed mechanism for sector support emerges.

Please find the full pre-budget submission in the following link:
TNA pre-budget submission 2021