Creative industries
David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (09:47): I think we have all read with great concern the commentary in the Herald Sun flowing from leaked documents from the Victorian Arts Centre Trust. It is clear that there is a significant financial problem and that a number of our key arts companies and the centre itself are in significant financial trouble. This flows in part no doubt from COVID, and we have seen the creative industries sector employment numbers fall from a very significant level previously and the really significant damage done through COVID. We all understand the impact of COVID, but in Victoria the public events framework and a number of the other restrictions were more sharp and more restrictive than in any other state in Australia. They were harsher, and the damage done to the arts and creative industries sector has been greater. The government needs to make sure that the sector is not left in a position where it is not viable. There needs to be significant budgetary support for the sector to make sure that our key companies and the arts centre trust are in a financial position to provide the support and the cultural nourishment that is needed in our state. But I hasten to add that the arts and creative industries sectors are also very significant economic drivers. They bring many tourists to Victoria, to Melbourne in particular in this case, and the tourism and cultural aspects are both important. The Andrews Labor government must fund them properly. They talk a big game but put cuts in. (Time expired)