Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I think it is important to recognise that the quantum of funding in the arts portfolio has remained unchanged. What has occurred is that on this side of the chamber we do not think that things should ever be seen as forever unalterable. Where there is an opportunity to provide an avenue for alternative funding for organisations that might not ordinarily qualify for Australia Council funding, then we are happy to explore that. We did explore that and we have continued to refine that which was announced.

From the point of view of this government, the arts—I know this is something that Senator Brandis was incredibly passionate about and remains passionate about, as am I—are not an optional extra; they are not an add on. They are core to who we are as individuals and they are core to our society. (Time expired)