Saturday, November 17, 2007

Election 07. Labor.

In response to our invitation to candidates for the seat of Robertson in the Federal Election to share their arts policies with us and to comment in relation to the Gosford region, we received the following letter from Belinda Neal.

"Thank you for your recent enquiry regarding Labor's Art's policy.

Federal Labor have release a detailed Art's policy recently launched by the Shadow Minister for Arts, Peter Garrett MP. A copy of this policy can be found at - http://www.alp.org.au/policy/index.php#arts_heritage_sport_recreation_&_tourism

The Central Coast is a unique region with many people choosing to live here to take advantage of the relaxed coastal environment. I am very supportive of measures that will add to this lifestyle and this includes advocating for additional entertainment and increased participation in all forms of Art.

Labor's Arts Policy 'New Directions for the Arts' includes an extra $10 million for the Australia Council over four years, with an emphasis on funding for projects in regional areas, including the Central Coast.

In addition to this Labor has promised to establish new arts innovation centres, of which one may be located on the Central Coast, along with greater financial support for indigenous artists.

I trust this information is of assistance and I am determined to be a strong advocate for our region in a future Rudd Labor Government.

Regards,

Belinda Neal."

We would like to thank Belinda for taking the time to respond, and to note with gratitude her respect for the arts community in doing so at this busy time.
Peter Garrett's policy statement has been discussed already on this site, and details about "innovation centres" has been released. We will talk more about this in the next week.

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