Arts

Arts issues did not feature prominently in the 2007 election campaign. The Howard Government took several issues off the political agenda when it announced in the May 2007 Budget that several film agencies would be amalgamated into a new Australian screen authority, several film-support tax mechanisms would be replaced by a new producer tax rebate, and there would be additional funding for performing arts companies. However, several arts issues remain on the agenda.

One important issue is that of a Resale Royalty Right (or Droit de Suite) for artists. Advocates have long campaigned for this right, under which artists receive a royalty payment each time any of their art works are sold. Such a right has recently been introduced across the European Union. The Howard Government did not support the introduction of such a payment in Australia, but the Australian Labor Party (ALP) has promised to introduce such a right, and Labor MPs have twice introduced private members’ Bills (Kate Lundy in 2003 and Bob McMullan in 2005).

Another important issue is that of moral rights. The Commonwealth, when passing its Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act 2000, was criticised for not recognising indigenous communal moral rights and not protecting communities’ traditional knowledge as expressed in cultural works. The Howard Government promised follow-up legislation and circulated a draft Bill for comment. Although the then Attorney-General announced the Bill’s introduction in February 2005 and the Senate Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Committee called for action in a June 2007 report, a Bill was not introduced.

A third important issue on the agenda for the arts is the taxation of artists. In 2002, the Howard Government proposed legislation to prevent hobby farmers from making illegitimate tax claims. It became apparent that, as an unintended consequence, most artists would be unable to claim their art practice expenses. After lobbying, the Howard Government agreed to allow artists in business to claim their expenses if they earned less than $40 000 from their non-arts income. Arts bodies want this ceiling removed.

Social security is another important issue for artists. Advocates want changes to the way artists are treated under the social security system; for example, by supporting artists (as appropriate) with trained caseworkers, specialist New Enterprise Incentive Scheme training and access to appropriate Work for the Dole work experience.

Arts education is an issue that may move ahead under a Rudd Government. The Howard Government commissioned a National Review of School Music Education (NRSME) and a (soon to be released) National Review of Visual Education. It also convened a workshop in August 2006 to develop a plan for implementing the NRSME report’s recommendations. However, it took little action. The ALP has promised ‘new directions for the arts’, including enhanced delivery of arts education.