The Greens promise Centrelink tax breaks for musicians and artists

The Greens have promised $18 million worth of tax breaks and investments to give musicians/ artists enough of an income boost so they don’t have to juggle day jobs. “That’s effectively compromising their ability to develop their art form,” Greens senate leader Chris Milne observed at the launch in Melbourne of the party’s arts policy alongside She cited figures that those playing original music make an average of $8,100 a year, and visual artists $35,000 a year from putting in 42 hours a week.

The keystone of the Greens’ policy is to change Centrelink rules for musician and artists so that their creativity is regarded as a contribution to the community, and they continue to collect benefits as they fulfill Centrelink’s “mutual obligation” requirements. The music industry has been pressing for this for 20 years. In Music Victoria’s 2011 survey Barriers To Career Progression acknowledged the issue causes anger in the music community, and that 44% of musicians do not (or cannot) apply for welfare as a result.

According to the Greens, the Centrelink change in policy would cost $12 million a year. Other planks in the Greens platform are:

• Establish a $3 million scheme so artists performing or speaking about their work (as in an in-store appearance) can be paid.
• Invest an additional $3 million into the ArtStart program that provides business training, equipment and financial support to those starting out.
• Provide tax breaks to encourage creative Australians to start their own small business, many of which perch themselves on the cutting edge.

The Greens recently committed $27 million towards the community radio and TV sector if elected.