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Statement of expectations

Statement of Expectations by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts for the Australia Council

This statement outlines the expectations of the Government and enhances the communication framework between the Australia Council, myself and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) for the period 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009.

The Australian Government recognises the value of the arts in contributing to the development of Australian culture and identity. The Australia Council plays an important role in achieving this goal.

Priorities

I expect the Australia Council to:

  • continue to build the sustainability, accessibility and artistic vibrancy of the performing arts sector through ongoing implementation of additional funding for major and small-to-medium performing arts companies;
  • implement funding initiatives announced in the 2008-09 Budget for increased opportunities for young and emerging Australian artists, and improved access for young Australians to quality arts education experiences through an artists-in-residence program in schools and universities;
  • implement the Creative Communities initiative to improve opportunities for Australians to participate in community-based arts and cultural activities;
  • foster innovation in arts practice and administration throughout the sector to improve engagement with new technologies and audiences and assist in building sustainable creative businesses;
  • continue to effectively manage the implementation of the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy to support individual artists, visual arts infrastructure and market development activities;
  • continue to effectively manage the implementation of the remaining government-agreed recommendations of the Orchestras Review 2005;
  • manage a detailed evaluation of the effectiveness of the Orchestras Review funding package and report to me on the outcomes of the evaluation;
  • undertake the third review of the funding model for the major performing arts companies;
  • advice me regularly on strategic directions and future priorities for the Australia Council;
  • provide up-to-date information on progress with the organisational restructure of the Australia Council;
  • continue to effectively administer key Government initiatives in the arts including the Major Festivals Initiative and funding to the Melba Foundation.

It is also my expectation that the Australia Council will:

  • be responsive to Government and to the Parliament while fulfilling the Australia Council’s functions as outlined in the Australia Council Act 1975.
  • manage the affairs of the Australia Council with diligence and in compliance with all relevant legislative requirements and applicable Government policies; including the Australia Council Act 1975and the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997, Public Service Act and the Corporations Act 2001 (where relevant).
  • work cooperatively with DEWHA and other portfolio agencies to effectively fulfil the Australia Council’s role as the Australian Government’s principal arts funding agency.
  • keep DEWHA and myself fully informed in a timely manner of the Australia Council’s activities and of any significant events relating to the Australia Council’s business;
  • respond to requests from my office and DEWHA in a timely manner, and work with DEWHA as my primary source of advice.
  • develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, in both the public and the private sectors.
  • effectively implement and maintain the highest standards of corporate governance, including the development of effective strategic planning documents containing relevant and measurable performance indicators, risk management strategies and a performance monitoring framework.
  • ensure that board members are aware of their roles and responsibilities and are participating in ongoing professional development and
    self-assessment.
  • provide for my approval a Statement of Intent (SOI) in response, wherever possible, within two months of this SOE. The SOI should state how the Australia Council proposes to meet the expectations of Government, including identifying key performance indicators.
  • provide a brief governance report for discussion at the formal biannual governance meetings.
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