After years of neglect and funding cuts, the Howard Government has finally discovered Australian film and television.
Labor has set the pace, and led on constructive policy for Australian film and television. Senator Kemp is trying to catch up at the last minute.
But there is no real commitment from the Howard Government: why else would they wait until four days before the election to release it?
In addition, the Coalition policy:
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Completely ignores the ABC and the total film and television funding of $175 million that Labor is investing; and |
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Ignores the threat to film and television in Australia that currently exists with reduced production because of Howard Government under-funding. |
The Howard Government announcement fails to provide funds until years down the track when it will be too late to revive a sector already struggling to maintain critical mass, not to mention talented people.
In contrast, a Latham Labor Government will immediately inject $70 million, and will work with all stakeholders to develop a long term Blueprint for Growth for the Australian Film and Television sector.
There is no time to waste.
The slap-dash Liberal policy patches together parts of everyone’s wish list without saying where the funding is coming from.
Senator Kemp’s announcement has all the hallmarks of a ‘non-core’ promise used as filler in a weak Coalition arts policy a few days out from election day.
Contact: Adina Cirson on 0418 488 295
