The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

At last, Queensland signs up to Orchestras Package

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to finally commit to the Australian Government’s $25 million orchestras’ rescue package.

The Australian Government’s commitment to orchestras in last year’s May Budget followed the James Strong inquiry into the sector. It will provide additional funding of over $25 million over four years to Australia’s symphony and pit orchestras and will help to secure the long-term sustainability of the orchestral sector and to improve the financial and artistic outlook for the orchestras.

Importantly, the funding will ensure that the ensemble size of The Queensland Orchestra can be maintained.

“It is unfortunate the Queensland government has taken almost 12 months to finally sign up to this important package,” Senator Kemp said.

“Their delay has caused great uncertainty among the players, management and supporters of Queensland orchestras when the issue should have been resolved last year.

“Orchestras can now look to the future with some certainty.” Senator Kemp said.

Senator Kemp also responded to the Queensland Minister’s claims that his “government carries the highest burden of any state” in funding orchestras.

“The funding ratios for orchestras were agreed to by the Queensland Government at the time of the Nugent Report and the Australian Government expects these ratios will continue.” Senator Kemp said.

CANBERRA
8 March 2006

Media contact: Michael Christo, 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040276