LPA looks forward to productive partnership with incoming Federal Government

Live Performance Australia (LPA), the arts and entertainment industry peak body, has welcomed the incoming Labor Government along with congratulating the successful Greens and Independent candidates and looks forward to a productive partnership with the government over the next term.

LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson advised “we congratulate Mr Albanese and his team. LPA stands ready to work with a newly formed Labor government to advance the economic, cultural and social interests of our nation.

“The first priority must be to deliver a revitalised Cultural Policy this year, with clear strategic priorities and investment to rebuild the industry. We are ready to hit the ground running and look forward to getting the consultation underway next week when the incoming Arts Minister is sworn in.

“Our industry is not looking for handouts. We strongly believe that public investment in arts and entertainment delivers significant economic and cultural value. Australia needs a vibrant arts and entertainment industry to contribute to our economic recovery and drive social and cultural wellbeing – at a time when it’s never been needed more.

“We welcome the Labor Government’s commitment to a new national Cultural Policy that puts First Nations arts and culture first. We also welcome its commitment to Australian stories, creativity, equality and respect for women, diversity and a better future.”

Richardson adds “the need for a whole of government approach that also realigns an effective working relationship between the Federal and State Ministers is critical.

“Our industry faces a new set of challenges as we manage the ongoing challenges of transitioning to living with Covid. Before Covid, our industry was a vast ecosystem of small, medium and large businesses, sole operators and tens of thousands of performers, artists, creatives and technical crew. We’ve lost billions in revenue plus thousands of people across the industry and now face a severe skill and labour shortage, the worst ever experienced by the industry in living memory.

“Targeted support to rebuild skills, and to underwrite and attract investment will enable us to create jobs, create new work, get more shows on stage, our touring networks re-established, and broaden our audiences both here and internationally. This will support not just our artists and industry, but all the associated upstream and downstream businesses which depend upon live events as stimulus.

“We look forward to working with a new, energised government that values who we are and what we contribute, in the months and years ahead.”

LPA also acknowledged "the Morrison Government and the outgoing Arts Minister, Paul Fletcher, for their support during the COVID pandemic."