Government inquiries and reviews
Government inquiries, reviews and consultations often explore areas of relevance for the arts sector.
Below is a selection of current and past state and federal government inquiries, consultations and reviews of significance to the arts.
Consultations currently open:
Government announces Independent Media Inquiry
Announcing the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry, Senator Conroy acknowledged the pressures brought about by the advent of digital technologies and the 24 hour news cycle were threatening the traditional business models that support the essential role of the media in our democratic society.
Senator Conroy noted that this is a worldwide phenomenon, and one the Australian Government is already addressing through its Convergence Review.
The Inquiry will be conducted independently of Government, led by Former Justice of the Federal Court of Australia, Ray Finkelstein QC, with the assistance of Dr Matthew Ricketson, Professor of Journalism at Canberra University and a former practising journalist.
The Gillard Government announced it will develop Australia's first Cyber White Paper to provide a comprehensive blueprint to help Australians connect to the internet with confidence.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the White Paper will be a comprehensive review of how Governments, businesses and individuals can work together to realise the full benefits of cyberspace while at the same time ensuring current and emerging risks can be managed.
In 2009, the Australian Government commenced its consultations on the development of a new National Cultural Policy. The Government has now released a discussion paper, which outlines a series of proposed goals and priorities for the arts, culture and the established and emerging creative industries in Australia.
- Read more about the consultation and how you can share your views.
The Convergence Review is an independent review established by the Australian Government to examine the policy and regulatory frameworks that apply to the converged media and communications landscape in Australia.
The review is being conducted by the Convergence Review Committee, which includes Glen Boreham as Chair with Malcolm Long and Louise McElvogue as committee members.
On 15 December, the Convergence Review Committee released its interim report. The report sets out the committee's vision for fundamental change to the regulatory framework for the convergent media and telecommunications sectors in Australia, and identifies key areas for reform. Comments on the report are due 10 February.
The final report is expected March 2012.
National Classification Scheme Review
On 24 March 2011, Attorney-General Robert McClelland referred the National Classification Scheme to the ALRC (Australian Law Reform Commission) and asked it to conduct widespread public consultation across the community and industry.
The ARLC has been asked to provide its final report by 30 January 2012.
Review of private sector support for the arts
On 19 April 2011 Arts Minister Simon Crean announced Mr Harold Mitchell AC, the Executive Chairman of the Mitchell Communication Group, will chair a review of private sector support for the arts in Australia. The scope of the review will encompass individual and business philanthropy, sponsorship, and arts/business partnerships. Other facets of private sector support, including volunteering (such as corporate voluntary and pro bono work) and in-kind support to the arts sector, will also be considered.
Governance Arrangements for not-for-profit (NFP) Organisations
The Australian Government is committed to delivering reforms that will strengthen the not-for-profit sector and improve regulatory arrangements to better enable not-for-profits to focus less on paper work and more on innovation and building on current strengths.
The Australian Government released a consultation paper regarding the implementation of a single governance scheme across the NFP sector regardless of structure. It is intended that it will cover charitable trusts. Submissions are due by 20 January 2012.
Australian Charities & Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) - Draft legislation
On 10 May 2011, a range of measures reforming the NFP sector in Australia were announced in the 2011-12 Budget of the Australian Government, including the creation of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).
The Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, recently released the exposure draft legislation for the ACNC, and a discussion paper to gather community feedback on elements of a new reporting framework for charities.
Submissions are due by 6 February.
On 25 February 2011, the Attorney-General addressed the Blue Sky Conference on future directions in Copyright law and announced his intention to provide the ALRC with a reference on copyright. The terms of reference are expected to be released in late 2011.
Recent inquiries and reviews
On 15 February 2010 Senator The Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research announced the establishment of the Book Industry Strategy Group (BISG). The formation of the BISG recognises the importance of the Australian book industry and the need to develop viable strategies for operating in the digital age and improving supply chain efficiencies.
Contribution of the not-for-profit sector
On 17 March 2009, the Productivity Commission received a terms of reference from the Government asking it to undertake a commissioned study on the contributions of the not for profit sector. The study's focus was on improving the measurement of the sector's contributions and removing obstacles to maximising its contributions to society. The final research report was released on 11 February 2010.
- View the Australia Council's recent submissions to major inquiries