Tuesday, 6 February 2024

Southern Metropolitan Region

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (13:07): (631) I want to raise for the attention of the Minister for Creative Industries the cuts that have occurred to the Melbourne Youth Orchestras. This $200,000 cut is a mean and nasty cut, and the two departments, education and creative industries, are respectively pointing fingers at each other. There is a circle go round, and the orchestras have been sent on a wild goose chase to work out how they can get their funding back. I ask the minister: will he ensure that the funding, the $200,000 a year, is fully restored, noting that funding has been provided for these orchestras since the 1960s? They provide great education for young people, who are advantaged by lifting their musical capacity. Some go on to careers of course, but for others this enriches their life and provides them with a set of skills that are very important. I think this is a cruel cut and it should be reversed.

The PRESIDENT: Can I just clarify, Mr Davis: are the Melbourne Youth Orchestras based in your electorate, or are their members?

David DAVIS: They are. Actually, President, they are based at 120–130 Southbank Boulevard.