Melbourne Youth Orchestras
Kim WELLS (Rowville) (09:52): Today I rise to congratulate the 15 young musicians from Rowville who have recently been accepted into the Melbourne Youth Orchestras. These 15 students will have the opportunity to further progress their vocation under the guidance of some of Victoria’s most talented teachers. But $200,000 has been cut from the organisation by the Allan Labor government – $200,000 that was earmarked to provide opportunities to students in government schools that have inadequate music programs. It is extremely disappointing that the government is so fixed, if not determined, to take this opportunity away from so many deserving Victorians looking to pursue their passion in music. This cut is going to affect those who deserve it most – those that rely on the orchestra to provide scholarships. In a cost-of-living crisis, should this government really be removing the arts from those who are already doing it tough? The arts should not be restricted to a few but promised to all. The government must reverse this decision to cut funding in the upcoming budget.