Continued commitment to communications, information technology, arts and sport
The 2005-06 Federal Budget demonstrates the Australian Government’s continuing commitment to the communications, information technology, arts and sports sectors.
The Government has continued its support of important communications and information technology programs, with particular emphasis on improving community access to broadband technology and local radio services.
Following the success of the Higher Bandwidth Incentive Scheme (HiBIS), which encourages the use of broadband technology in rural and remote areas, the Government has introduced a Metropolitan Broadband Blackspots Program. The program, worth $50 million over three years, will help internet service providers offer affordable broadband technology in metropolitan areas that don’t currently have access to broadband services.
ABC Local Radio will be boosted with new services offered in Dubbo (NSW) and Geelong (Vic), and a power increase to the Wagga Wagga (NSW) service.
The Government’s support of Arts and Sport has also increased through a range of targeted programs and initiatives to help support and strengthen the respective sectors.
The Budget delivers on the Coalition’s election promises with extensive funding being provided under its innovative policies, Building Australian Communities Through Sport, Active After-School Communities program and Strengthening Australian Arts.
Budget at a glance
Metropolitan Broadband Blackspots program
The Metropolitan Broadband Blackspots Program is a three-year $50 million initiative, commencing 2005-06, which will provide access to equitably priced broadband services in metropolitan areas where such services are not available.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation - improving local radio coverage of Dubbo, Geelong and Wagga Wagga and their surrounding areas
ABC Local Radio coverage will be improved by a power increase for the Wagga area and new Local Radio services at Dubbo and Geelong.
NetAlert National Cybersafe Programme
NetAlert will receive $2 million under the National CyberSafe Programme to run a training roadshow and information campaign over two years, 2004-05 to 2005-06.
SBS Independent – continuation of funding for the Special Production Fund
SBS Independent’s Special Production Fund will receive funding of $37.6 million over four years. Current funding lapses at the end of 2005–06, but has been renewed at this time due to the long lead times associated with commissioning high quality productions. The funding to be received is $9.1 million in 2006–07, $9.3 million in 2007–08, $9.5 million in 2008–09 and $9.7 million in 2009–10.
A World Class Australian Film Industry
Film Australia will receive an additional $7.5 million over three years to produce a 10-part series of high quality documentaries on Australian history.
The Australian Film Commission will receive additional funding of $6.9 million over three years to improve its educational and exhibition activities and increase access to, and understanding of, Australian audiovisual culture.
The Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) will receive additional funding of $9 million over three years to ensure its graduates and other industry practitioners are able to operate across a number of emerging delivery platforms and to establish a national Screen Business Skills Centre.
Ausfilm funding will be extended at a cost of $4.1 million over three years to help it market Australia as the world’s best destination for film and television production, and promote the extension of the Australian Government’s highly successful film tax offset to high-budget television series.
Section 79D of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 will be amended to allow taxpayers to deduct foreign losses from domestic income.
The Film Licensed Investment Company (FLIC) Scheme will be extended to raise up to $10 million in concessional capital in each of the 2005-06 and 2006-07 financial years to be invested in Australian film and television production.
Books Alive
The Books Alive program will receive $2 million per year over the next four years to continue promoting the value of reading to the community.
Young and emerging artists
The Australia Council will receive $2.5 million over two years to continue its successful program of support to young and emerging artists.
Funding Australian stories
Funding of $0.5 million per year over three years will be provided to Festivals Australia to fund regional residencies where performing or visual artists or writers will help regional communities to develop and present their stories.
Orchestras Review 2005
The Government has committed up to $25.4 million over four years to Australia’s symphony and pit orchestras as part of its response to the 2005 Review. The funding will ensure the long term sustainability of the orchestral sector and improve the financial and artistic outlook for the orchestras.
Australia Council – Additional funding for major performing arts bodies
The Government is also investing an additional $3.9 million over four years in other major performing arts companies to address particular cost pressures and support the ongoing financial viability of these bodies.
Australian Film, Television and Radio School - relocation of New South Wales facility
The AFTRS will relocate closer to the Sydney CBD to bring it closer to the industry hub and ensure its students have access to high quality, up-to-date equipment and facilities.
Slim Dusty Heritage Centre
Funding of $0.5 million will be provided towards the construction of the Slim Dusty Heritage Centre in Kempsey. A further $1 million will be provided through the Department of Transport and Regional Services’ Regional Partnership Program.
Community heritage grants
The Community Heritage Grants Scheme will receive an additional $0.8 million over four years to help community organisations, including regional museums, to digitise and curate their collections as well as document and preserve them.
Funding for Building Australian Communities through Sport
The Australian Government will provide a package in excess of $370 million to Australian sport in 2005-06 building on its record level of commitment to communities, athletes and sporting organisations.
The Government’s Building Australian Communities through Sport program builds on the highly successful and far reaching initiatives such as the Backing Australia’s Sporting Ability program (BASA) and the Tough on Drugs in Sport policy.
European Sporting Hub
The Government will invest $11 million over four years in a European base (EuroHub) providing a purpose built 50-bed accommodation and sports science and sports medicine facility for athletes and coaches.
National Recreation Safety Program
The National Recreation Safety Program will receive $21.9 million over four years to 2007-08. The program funds water and alpine safety organisations including Surf Life Saving Australia, Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA), AUSTSWIM and the Australian Ski Patrol Association.
Sporting Facilities
This Budget will provide funding of $11.8 million in 2005-06 for community sporting facility upgrades and improvements.
10 May 2005
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