The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Richard
Alston, today welcomed the release of Securing the Future, the Major Performing Arts
Inquiry Discussion Paper.
The Commonwealth Government has a significant investment in the major performing
arts sector, and it is in the interests of all Australians to ensure it is financially stable,
artistically vibrant and broadly accessible, Senator Alston said.
The Discussion Paper is the result of extensive consultation with all levels of government
and the performing arts sector.
The 31 companies included in the Inquiry are very important to Australia's cultural life
and the Inquiry's comprehensive analysis provides a basis for understanding the value the
companies add and the challenges they face.
The wide array of options presented by the Inquiry will help to address those challenges.
The options will be the basis for further consultation with stakeholders as the Committee
prepares the final report.
The final report will contain recommendations together with an approach to
implementation, which will then be taken to the Cultural Ministers Council for
consideration, Senator Alston said.
The Major Performing Arts Inquiry was announced on 15 December 1998 and the
Committee commenced its deliberations in February 1999.
The Inquiry is chaired by Dr Helen Nugent. Other members of the Committee are Mr
Michael Chaney, Mr David Gonski and Mrs Catherine Walter.
Copies of the Discussion Paper are available from Helen Walker on 02 6270 8280 or on
the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts website at
www.dcita.gov.au using the easyfind keyword 'major performing arts inquiry'.
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