Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee

Inquiry into the cultural and creative industries in Victoria

Conducting Public Hearings

The Committee is investigating funding and supports available to Victoria's cultural and creatives industries. This includes examining Victoria's share of national arts and cultural spending (including share allocated to regional Victoria); the ongoing financial sustainability of arts training organisations; and whether state and federal policies and spending are sufficient to support the industries following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On 25 May 2023, the Economy and Infrastructure Committee agreed to the following self-referral motion:

That the Economy and Infrastructure Committee resolves under Standing Order 23.04(3) that, given the economic and social significance of Victoria’s cultural and creative industries, for the Committee to inquire into, monitor and report, by November 2024, on —
(1) the economic and social impact of the Commonwealth Government’s Australian cultural policy, Revive, on Victoria’s arts and cultural industries including, in particular, Victoria’s share of national arts and cultural spending;
(2) regional Victoria’s share of national arts and cultural spending;
(3) the importance of spending in the Victorian economy and the cultural dynamism and representation in Victoria of government funded national broadcasters, the ABC and SBS, and, in particular, whether these broadcasters are spending in Victoria a share of their budget that matches the size of Victoria's population, economy and unique place within national cultural life;
(4) the ongoing financial sustainability of the seven national performing arts training organisations including whether Victoria’s share of this funding is adequate; and
(5) whether the Revive policy and relevant state government policies and spending provide sufficient support and impetus to rebuild and sustain Victoria’s cultural and creative industries following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector.

The Committee resolved to extend the tabling date to 25 August 2025.

Terms of Reference - Cultural and creative industries in Victoria.pdf

Public hearings

The inquiry has held three days of public hearings. We’ve heard evidence from arts organisations, broadcasters, theatre groups and others. Transcripts of the hearings are available or will be added to the Hearings page.

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Snapshot of inquiry

We’re looking into the funding and support available to Victoria's cultural and creatives industries.

The creative industries span arts, culture, screen, music, design, games development, fashion, publishing and contribute more than $30 billion to Victoria's economy and employ around 300,000 people.

We’re examining Victoria's share of national arts and cultural spending, including how much goes to regional Victoria; the ongoing financial sustainability of arts training organisations; and whether state and federal policies and spending are sufficient to support the industries following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Were also looking at the ABC and SBS and how much they are investing in Victoria.