LPA push Turnbull to properly support the live performance sector

If there is one thing that keeps the heady world of rock and roll chugging along, it is budget submissions.

Live Performance Australia (LPA) has made public its 2018-19 budget submission, and — not surprisingly — they feel its high time the Turnbull Government starts properly supporting the live performance sector, given it provides over 34,000 jobs across the country. That’s a whole lotta ‘Wonderwall’.

LPA’s budget proposals include:

• Provide tax incentives on pre-production costs for live productions to assist Australian producers finance the staging of new productions and attract investment in an internationally competitive market;
• Establish a major seed fund ($20 million over four years) for original Australian works of scale;
• Provide an additional $5 million over four years for international touring of Australian productions;
• Provide an additional $14 million over four years to Playing Australia and establish a digital distribution and access fund; and
• Introduce a tax relief measure allowing charitable organisations to claim back the tax deduction on gift donations.

LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said of the shiny new budget proposal: “After years of funding cuts and a lack of strategic direction, the Turnbull Government now has an opportunity to support innovation, creativity and growth across our live performance industry through these sensible and targeted budget measures.

“Australia’s live performance industry supports over 34,000 jobs in metropolitan and regional areas and makes a significant economic contribution as well as contributing to our social and cultural well- being and diversity.

“Our industry attracts more than 18 million people a year to shows in capital cities, regional centres and country towns, as well as promoting Australian talent and creativity to international audiences.

“With the right support and policy settings, these budget initiatives will support the growth and sustainability of live performance in Australia, stimulating investment in new and original productions, and improve access to Australian live performance talent in regional areas and international markets,’ Ms Richardson said.

The budget submission is available here for your perusal; at the risk of spoilers, it is thorough. Enjoy!

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.