In a major arts policy volte face, Mitch Fifield has today announced the scrapping of the controversial Catalyst Fund and the Turnbull Government’s decision to return $61 million in uncommitted funds to the Australia Council over the next four years. This figure includes the $32 million previously announced as to be returned in late 2015. In addition, the Australia Council will also be given control of the $12 million currently allocated as part of existing Catalyst funding agreements and the $7.2 million presently shared between the Major Festivals Initiative and the Australian World Orchestra.

“The Council welcomes this decision, and we see it as a positive indication of the Minister’s confidence in Council and our programs and activities,” said Australia Council CEO Tony Grybowski. “In the long-term, the new funding arrangements will assist us to deliver our strategic goals more effectively, increase the coherence and responsiveness of the national arts funding framework, and provide greater clarity for the sector.”

The change of focus is also intended to empower the Australia Council to address specific recommendations from last year’s Opera Review related to Victorian Opera and Opera Queensland, as well as to address funding sustainability for Queensland Ballet and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra....