The loss of eleven jobs at Opera Australia, including that of Russell Mitchell, the business affairs director, raises serious concerns about the continuing mismanagement of the company.
The retrenchments come after reported operating deficits and a decrease in the number of productions to be staged in Melbourne and Sydney, resulting in job losses in the arts sector.
Despite being closely questioned about Opera Australia’s financial position during Budget Estimates earlier this year, the Australia Council made no mention of any future retrenchment plans.
The Australia Council told the committee that it did not have a copy of the Opera Australia review but;
“We have seen the outcome. The company has advised us of what measures it will put in place.” (Senate Estimates 28/5/03)
In other words, it would appear that the Australia Council was aware of measures to be taken by Opera Australia, yet failed to mention that this meant retrenchments.
It is unacceptable that Opera Australia – which receives approximately $13.5 million in Commonwealth funding, be jeopardised by mismanagement and that the solution once again means job losses for staff and the arts sector.
The Howard Government has a responsibility to taxpayers to ensure that the Australia Council carefully manages the public funding of Opera Australia in order to protect its future viability.
Media contact: Adina Cirson – (02) 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
