Victoria Commences New Creative Industries Act

Monday 17 July 2017 @ 11.54 a.m. | Legal Research

The Creative Victoria Act 2017, which was passed by the Victorian Parliament in May 2017, commenced on 1 July 2017.  The new Act explicitly recognises the contribution made by the arts and creative industries in Victoria and sets out legislative requirements for the operations of Creative Victoria.  According to the “Creative Victoria” website, the creative industries “currently contribute $23 billion a year to the state and provide around 220,000 jobs”.  The new Act replaces the Arts Victoria Act 1972, and is designed to allow a more integrated and contemporary approach to supporting the creative industries.

Principles

The new Act sets out a number of legislative principles for the arts and creative industries in section 4:

“(1) The Parliament recognises that—

(a) the arts have an intrinsic value that contributes to the cultural depth, diversity and life of Victoria; and

(b) the arts and creative industries contribute significantly to Victoria's wealth and prosperity.

(2) The Parliament further recognises that—

(a) the arts and creative industries are means to improve the quality of life for all individuals in Victoria and improve the community of Victoria as a whole; and

(b) all individuals in Victoria are equally entitled to access opportunities and participate in and contribute to the arts and creative industries in Victoria; and

(c) all individuals should be free to express their ideas and opinions through the arts and creative industries.”

The Act will also require the Minister for Creative Industries to prepare a strategy for the arts and creative industries every four years.

Creative State Strategy

The Victorian Government has already announced a number of components of its current “Creative State” strategy, including support for 84 film, television and digital games projects and $113 million in funding over the next four years for 90 Victorian small to medium arts and cultural organisations

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said:

“We are proudly working with our creative community to roll out the strategy and ensure it delivers economic, social and cultural dividends that will benefit all Victorians.”

“This investment is creating jobs and opportunities for creative professionals and audiences across our state.”

TimeBase is an independent, privately owned Australian legal publisher specialising in the online delivery of accurate, comprehensive and innovative legislation research tools including LawOne and unique Point-in-Time Products. Nothing on this website should be construed as legal advice and does not substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel.

Sources:

Related Articles: