Page 3513 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 22 October 2014

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policy framework. But what is more important, you do not see a strategy to deliver it. It is interesting in talking to so many groups that they do not understand how the strategy is delivered and they do not understand what funding is available for the strategy.

That is why I have included paragraphs (a) and (b) in part (3). The strategy is actually under review, or it is meant to be reviewed in 2014. But many in the arts community did not know that, and, of all I have spoken to, none have been contacted about it. So nobody knows how this review is being conducted. That is why in part (3) I say that the government, by the last sitting day in February, should table its proposed review of the arts policy framework. I want to know what the detailed plan was on stakeholder consultation, how much funding there was and how the review was carried out.

Paragraph (b) states that we should have a strategy to deliver the arts policy framework. Again, what I think would be valuable is to know what the strategy is and the detailed plan on stakeholder consultations, funding and implementation so that we know where the government has gone.

If you look at this document, it could well just be another document like so many that this government has that sits on the internet and they say, “Well, because we’ve got programs it’s okay.” Page 7 states:

The Framework provides a structure within which arts policy and the goals and outcomes associated with policy will be developed …

Well, where is that development? Where are the goals? Where are the outcomes? It says that it will—and I quote:

guide the implementation and review of existing policies and programs. This will include …

And it goes on. The “Context” reads:

The ACT Arts Policy Framework sets out ideas …

So we need to know what is happening. The “Guiding Vision” states:

Canberra and its region comprise an inclusive, unique and creative arts landscape where excellence is highly valued.

Yet puerile titles are funded. And there is the difference:

Canberra and its region comprises an inclusive, unique and creative arts landscape where excellence is highly valued.

Yet, from one of the leaders of the arts community in the ACT, what we are funding is puerile satire. If you want excellence, you need to fund it, you need to have it work and you need to make it work properly. That is why in part (2) I express strong concerns regarding this minister’s judgement and professionalism, because she clearly


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