Since we are in the midst of an election campaign, Labor will make the usual motherhood statements about the importance of the arts. But given Labor’s issues with delivery and financial management, those who actually value the arts should be highly sceptical of any commitments they make.

By contrast, the practical, targeted support provided by the Morrison Government has been unprecedented. Arts funding by the Morrison Government in 2021-22 stands at over $1 billion dollars. This is the highest level of Commonwealth arts funding ever delivered by a federal government, Liberal or Labor.

Paul Fletcher

Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cites and the Arts.

Our COVID-specific arts support stands at $500 million – including our $220 million RISE fund, which is supporting a pipeline of arts and entertainment events around the country.

RISE is designed to support arts companies, promoters, festivals and entrepreneurs to put new shows on as the sector works to rebound from the challenges of COVID.

So far, $200 million has been committed under RISE. It has gone to 541 projects, creating more than 213,000 jobs across Australia, to be seen by a total audience of 55 million...