Arts Funding

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:48): My question is directed to the Minister for the Arts. Can you outline to the house the effect of the federal leadership change and cabinet reshuffle on South Australia for your portfolio responsibilities, particularly the arts?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (14:48): I thank the member for Ashford for her question. Perhaps the member for Davenport and I will be the only two members of the house who might vote against the deputy leader's motion that she has put on notice, but nonetheless, can I start by congratulating the Hon. Mitch Fifield MP on his elevation to the role of federal Minister for the Arts, as well as Minister for Communications and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Digital Government. I look forward to working with minister Fifield and, indeed, meeting him at next week's meeting of cultural ministers.

Minister Fifield has some excellent opportunities to set a new positive course in the arts. One such place is to provide greater clarity over the former minister for the arts' National Program for Excellence in the Arts (or NPEA). This 2015-16 budget measure saw $104.8 million redirected from the Australia Council, halting their grant rounds and leaving many of our state's artists and companies in limbo. Last Friday, the Senate's—

Mr Marshall: That's rubbish.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: Well, you have the argument with Neil Armfield. You obviously know more about this than Neil. Last Friday, the Senate's Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee held a public hearing in Adelaide where representatives from all across our small, medium and major arts institutions were consistent in their message that the uncertainty around these changes is damaging to our arts community. I wrote to Senator Brandis on 26 May, seeking clarification. To date, I haven't received a response.

Members may also be aware that the federal government is also currently undertaking a review into how opera is funded and supported across Australia. This review was due to be completed by 30 June; however, we are yet to even see a discussion paper. This is creating enormous uncertainty in the sector. The State Opera of South Australia company punches well above its weight as far as its production quality and output is concerned. The lag on this review is making it difficult for them to plan future programming.

Yesterday, I wrote to minister Fifield, welcoming him to the position, outlining these concerns and seeking a better working relationship between the sector and the federal government. I also raised the adverse effect that the commonwealth's decision to cut $38 million from Screen Australia in the 2014-15 budget has had on our emerging screen sector.

At next week's meeting, I am looking forward to having a productive conversation with minister Fifield and other arts ministers to find ways that our federal government can be more engaging and supportive of the arts, not only because they define our cultural identity but because they contribute so much to the vibrancy of our state. I look forward to a productive working relationship with minister Fifield to realise the many cultural and economic opportunities for our arts industry.