2016-05-09
Greens Arts spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said it was disturbing that the government has allocated almost half of the four year Catalyst funding in its first year after news broke that the government has announced millions of dollars in further grants ahead of the caretaker period.
“It is disturbing that on the eve of the election the government has spent almost half of Catalyst’s four year funding in its very first year,” Mr Bandt said.
“This is why arts funding should be kept at arm’s length from ministers, especially in election years.”
“The arts sector is already in turmoil because of the cuts made by this government and now instead of orderly, peer-reviewed funding it seems decisions are being made on election timelines.”
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054