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.”
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.