The Howard Government has continued its war on Australian culture with an unprecedented attack on the Screensound Australia. Their proposals are outlined in a Directions paper (see below) and will result in the institution being torn apart and aspects relocated to both Sydney and Melbourne.
Labor opposes this and has announced a policy to ensure the future success of the Australian Film and So9und Archive (Screensound): 12 February 2004 – Federal Labor’s Plan to establish ScreenSound Australia as a Statutory Authority.
Although the Australian Film Commission is now denying it, at least 15 jobs were to be lost under the AFC’s plan and many people were given notice. The AFC has now embarked upon a so-called ‘consultation process’ to gather views and feedback. This exercise has revealed the incredible support that Screensound has locally, nationally and internationally. But as you can see, I have my doubts about the AFC’s intentions: 5 March 2004 – Film Commission ‘consultation’ a farce.
I will continue to add to this website and urge people to show their support by signing and distributing the Petition and providing your thoughts to the Howard Government about the proposals. As you can see from this media release, 1 March 2004 – Save ScreenSound Petitions tabled , many people have demonstrated their support.
Please email messages of support to senator.lundy@aph.gov.au
