"Major Performing Arts Inquiry final report released"
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Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts
Sydney, , AU Australia

'The Federal Government today released the final Nugent report into the major performing arts sector, and will now seek early discussions on its recommendations with the States and Territories, and with the major performing arts companies,' the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston, announced today.

'The Government believes that a national response is required to the issues raised in the report. We will seek the agreement of the States and Territories that this national approach should be formally considered - and if possible approved - at the next Cultural Ministers Council meeting, which will hopefully be held early in the new year.

'The Report contains 95 recommendations for actions by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments and the companies themselves. Given the need for a cooperative approach to the report's findings, the Commonwealth will not publicly comment on the detail of the recommendations pending consultations with other stakeholders.'

Senator Alston urged all Australians with an interest in the arts to examine the report.

'This Report is a thoroughly researched and important contribution to the development of the performing arts in Australia. It has been prepared after one of the most comprehensive reviews undertaken into the subsidised performing arts anywhere in the world,' Senator Alston said.

'The Report contains many initiatives to assist the major performing companies position themselves in a highly competitive environment, and the Government believes that the Report's recommendations will also prove invaluable for arts organisations in all fields.'

Senator Alston said the establishment of the Inquiry demonstrated the Government's commitment to artistic excellence, the long term development of the companies, and to the future of the arts.

'The Government expresses its appreciation to inquiry chairwoman Dr Helen Nugent, the Inquiry committee members Mr Michael Chaney, Mr David Gonski and Mrs Catherine Walter, and Inquiry staff for their work. They have tackled some challenging issues head-on but have done so with a deep awareness of the value of the performing arts in Australia,' Senator Alston said.

Copies of the Final Report and the Discussion Paper are available from Mrs 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'.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Australia

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