‘The ALP campaign release has two sentences on the sustainability of artists' careers, under the heading "Future Challenges". For artists and authors, however, the challenges are here and now,' said ASA Executive Director Angelo Loukakis in a statement. ‘The ALP proposes to allocate an "additional" $10 million "over five years" to performance and visual and other artists, while the portion to authors of this very small amount is not stated. Direct support of our authors is weak and at a historic low, proportionately not even where it was 25 years ago.'
The ASA argues that ‘meaningful support of authors requires new policy, further reform, additional funding, and/or additional legislative effort in at least three areas: the proposed National Curriculum; tax on artists' and authors' incomes; and the Australia Council.'
Looking at other parties' policy statements, the Liberals mention visual arts, music and film but have no announcements pertaining to literature, writers or writing. The Greens want a review of copyright legislation and pledge that ‘that any trade agreement or other international instrument does not adversely affect Australian artists and cultural expression.'
