Budget 2021: AAP receives funding boost, regional in focus and ACMA gains additional support
May 12, 2021 10:13
The Federal Government handed down the 2021 budget overnight, with several areas of the media, tech and regulatory sectors to receive funding boosts.
A joint release by Minister Paul Fletcher and Minister Mark Coulton recognised that the pandemic had created ongoing challenges for the arts sector, and also outlined the importance of digital service delivery for the economy going forward.
Josh Frydenberg hands down the 2021 Budget / Twitter
Regional was a significant theme, both in terms of funding journalism in regional areas and ensuring regional connectivity, with the government committing a further $84.4 million to its Regional Connectivity Program, which will go towards 81 telecommunications infrastructure projects.
The arts were in free fall this time last year. COVID-19 restrictions had shut everything down and artists and arts organisations were reeling from a dramatic loss of income, as well as the prospect of a bleak future. Somewhat belatedly, the federal government offered various forms of assistance from late June onwards.
Given the continuing challenges, has the government brought the arts in from the cold in Tuesday‘s budget? The budget statement notes the effects of the pandemic on the creative and cultural sector “have been severe” and the sector “continues to feel the effects of COVID‑19 as social restrictions are eased.”
Tuesday night s Budget includes a $9billion war chest to be used for yet-unannounced purposes - sparking speculation Scott Morrison will call an early election by the end of the year.
The fine print in the budget allows the government to set aside nearly $10billion for unspecified projects which have already been approved by the federal cabinet.
But the Australian prime minister denied on Wednesday morning that allocation in the Budget has anything to do with being re-elected.
He fired up after Labor leader Anthony Albanese accused him of having no real plan beyond getting through the next election .
Among the costly Budget measures is the extension of the low and middle income offset to 10 million Australians at a cost of $7.8billion.
Australian plumbers, carpenters, electricians and farmers have been given a significant boost in the Budget - allowing them to instantly write off the cost of new equipment.
Tradesmen with their own business can buy new utes and immediately claim them as tax deductions as part of the instant asset write-off scheme Treasurer Josh Frydenberg extended for a year in Tuesday s Budget.
Farmers meanwhile can buy new tractors and claim the cost back through the government s full expensing scheme.
Any assets first used or installed by June 30, 2023 are eligible.
Tradesmen and women can buy new utes and immediately claim them as tax deductions as part of the instant asset write-off scheme. Pictured is a construction worker in Sydney on May 11
TVKIDS
Australian Government Commits Funding for ACTF
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The Australian Government has made a commitment in the federal budget to support the Australian Children’s Television Foundation’s (ACTF) ongoing operational funding with A$11.9 million ($9.3 million) over the next four years.
“This recognizes the significant value of Australian children’s screen content and provides us with certainty, enabling every dollar of the additional A$20 million over two years that was previously announced to be invested in new content,” said ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland.
“We’re looking forward to announcing the first group of new shows that will be supported with that funding next month.