This bill became law on Jun 23rd, 2023.
Culture, sport & community
Australia’s main federal arts funding body now continues under the new public name Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. instead of the Australia CouncilThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill..
ReviveThe government’s national cultural policy that this bill is meant to put into law. exposed that the old Australia CouncilThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. setup lacked the modern functions and governance needed to support contemporary music and promote safe, respectful arts workplaces. The bill continues the body as Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill., expands its powers, and creates Music AustraliaA new part of Creative Australia focused on supporting and growing Australian contemporary music. and Creative WorkplacesA new part of Creative Australia that promotes fair, safe and respectful workplaces in the arts sector. to deliver those new roles.
The Australia CouncilThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. had been operating under the Australia CouncilThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. Act 2013 as the federal government’s main arts funding body. The Albanese government’s ReviveThe government’s national cultural policy that this bill is meant to put into law. cultural policy proposed to continue that body as Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill., expand its powers, and create new internal units for contemporary music and safer arts workplaces. The Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. Bill 2023 was introduced in May 2023, passed both houses in June, received Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. on 23 June 2023 and commenced on 24 August 2023.
The main criticism was that the package risked building a larger arts bureaucracy instead of sending more money directly to artists, performers, venues and regional creative workers. Coalition speakers generally said they would not oppose the bill, while Malcolm Roberts from One Nation opposed it outright and Paul Scarr criticised the approach as too Canberra-centred.
Tony Burke MP introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 23 June 2023
Final passage
Passed without a counted vote
Members called out ‘aye’ or ‘no’ — no individual votes were recorded.
Passage speed
29 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Australia’s main federal arts funding body now continues under the new public name Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. instead of the Australia CouncilThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill..
Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. can back artists and arts organisations with grants, loans, investments, awards and other financial support, including on commercial or non-commercial terms.
A new Music AustraliaA new part of Creative Australia focused on supporting and growing Australian contemporary music. unit is set up inside Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. to support Australian contemporary music.
A new Creative WorkplacesA new part of Creative Australia that promotes fair, safe and respectful workplaces in the arts sector. unit is set up inside Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. to promote fair, safe and respectful workplaces for artists and arts workers.
The Arts Minister can direct the Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. BoardThe board that runs Creative Australia and is responsible for making sure it does its job properly. on broader matters, but cannot tell it who must get support in an individual funding decision.
This Act establishes Creative Australia by providing for the body corporate previously known as the Australia Council to continue in existence under the name Creative Australia.Creative Australia as-passed bill text
(g) the power to provide financial assistance (whether by way of loan, grant, investment, award or otherwise and whether on commercial terms or otherwise);Creative Australia as-passed bill text
(a) supporting and promoting Australian contemporary music practice; andCreative Australia as-passed bill text
(a) promoting fair, safe and respectful workplaces for:Creative Australia as-passed bill text
(2) The Minister must not give a direction in relation to the making of a decision by Creative Australia, in a particular case, relating to the provision of support (including by the provision of financial assistance or a guarantee).Creative Australia as-passed bill text
Context
The Australia CouncilThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. had been operating under the Australia CouncilThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. Act 2013 as the federal government’s main arts funding body. The Albanese government’s ReviveThe government’s national cultural policy that this bill is meant to put into law. cultural policy proposed to continue that body as Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill., expand its powers, and create new internal units for contemporary music and safer arts workplaces. The Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. Bill 2023 was introduced in May 2023, passed both houses in June, received Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. on 23 June 2023 and commenced on 24 August 2023.
Government introduces Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. bill
The Arts Minister introduced the bill as the main legislative reform for ReviveThe government’s national cultural policy that this bill is meant to put into law., continuing the Australia CouncilThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. under the Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. name and adding new functions.
Hansard ↗Bill sets music and workplace roles
The explanatory memorandumThe background document that explains what the bill does and why it was drafted that way. said the legislation would establish Music AustraliaA new part of Creative Australia focused on supporting and growing Australian contemporary music. and Creative WorkplacesA new part of Creative Australia that promotes fair, safe and respectful workplaces in the arts sector. inside Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill..
Australian Parliament House ↗House passes the bill
The House agreed to the bill after debate on whether the reform would direct enough support to artists rather than arts administration.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Parliament passes the bill
The Senate passed the bill without amendments, completing parliamentary passage of the new Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. framework.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. Act commences
The Federal Register commencement table records 24 August 2023 as the Date/Details entry for commencement of the whole Act.
Federal Register of Legislation ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Reported from Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was that the package risked building a larger arts bureaucracy instead of sending more money directly to artists, performers, venues and regional creative workers. Coalition speakers generally said they would not oppose the bill, while Malcolm Roberts from One Nation opposed it outright and Paul Scarr criticised the approach as too Canberra-centred.
Most critics still allowed the bill to pass, but the debate included direct opposition from One Nation and sharp concerns about bureaucracy, funding priorities and regional access.
More arts bureaucracy, not enough frontline support
Coalition speakers argued the bill would put too much emphasis on new structures and Commonwealth arts officials while not doing enough to get funding directly to artists, performers, arts workers and regional creative activity.
One Nation opposed the Creative Australia package
Malcolm Roberts opposed the bill, describing Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. as an unnecessary rebrand and a waste of taxpayer money during an economic crisis.
Canberra control could crowd out local arts priorities
Paul Scarr argued the approach gave Canberra too much control over culture and should put more money into grassroots creators and venues instead of extra administrative layers.
Further sources
Votes
The bill passed both chambers on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Mr Burke strongly supports the bill, saying it is the foundation of the government’s cultural policy and will modernise Australia’s arts funding body, create Music AustraliaA new part of Creative Australia focused on supporting and growing Australian contemporary music. and Creative WorkplacesA new part of Creative Australia that promotes fair, safe and respectful workplaces in the arts sector., and give artists better support and safer workplaces.
Read in Hansard ↗Roberts opposes the Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill. Bill 2023, arguing it is an unnecessary rebrand and a waste of taxpayer money during an economic crisis.
Read in Hansard ↗Fletcher says the coalition will not oppose the bill, but argues it shifts money toward more Commonwealth arts officials instead of frontline artists and that the case for the changes has not been made.
Read in Hansard ↗Spender supports the bill and says the government's cultural policy measures in it are imperative for the arts sector's survival and growth.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
13 speakers · 14 contributions · 13 support
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Tony Burke on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Minister's second reading speech
Mr Burke strongly supports the bill, saying it is the foundation of the government’s cultural policy and will modernise Australia’s arts funding body, create Music AustraliaA new part of Creative Australia focused on supporting and growing Australian contemporary music. and Creative WorkplacesA new part of Creative Australia that promotes fair, safe and respectful workplaces in the arts sector., and give artists better support and safer workplaces.
“Creative Australia Bill 2023 delivers the major reform which constitutes the centrepiece of Revive. It establishes Creative Australia as a new organisation. It's part of Revive, our cultural policy, which this government has proudly adopted because what we so broadly call the arts, when you zero in on its essence, is a”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Mr Burke strongly supports the bill, saying it will create Creative AustraliaThe new name for the federal arts body that funds and supports the arts under this bill., restore funding, establish Music AustraliaA new part of Creative Australia focused on supporting and growing Australian contemporary music. and Creative WorkplacesA new part of Creative Australia that promotes fair, safe and respectful workplaces in the arts sector., and put the government's ReviveThe government’s national cultural policy that this bill is meant to put into law. cultural policy into action. He argues it will better support artists, contemporary music and safe working conditions across the sector.
“I think we're done! I want to thank everybody from each side of the House and the crossbench who's contributed to the debate. In particular, I want to acknowledge the Prime Minister. Every post-war Labor leader has had cultural policy as part of the key legacies of their government in some way, but no Labor leader has ”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“With this legislation, we will take a major stride in the implementation of Australia's new National Cultural Policy—Revive. The modernisation, strengthening, and expansion of the Australia Council for the Arts is the centrepiece of Revive. For more than five decades, the Australia Council has supported creativity acro”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Mozart's in the House! God help us! 'Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.' These are the words of Albert Einstein, the father of relativity; a famous physicist, who understood the importance of arts and culture to our lives. He knew that arts and culture enrich everyday life. Labor governments and cultural policy go [”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“As the member for Wills, I know how important the arts are to my community and of course, more broadly, to society in general. Wills, in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, has a magnificent arts community. That's why it's so pleasing that the Albanese Labor government has finally been able to start designing and implem”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Before the member for Nicholls leaves the chamber, I'd like to bring to his attention the fact that the program for the appropriations bill consideration in detail was brought into this chamber and not opposed by those opposite. That timeline was set by this parliament. It hasn't been gagged in any way, shape or form. ”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I move: That these bills be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speeches incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. The speec hes read as follows— CREATIVE AUSTRALIA BILL 2023 Context The Creative Australia Bill 2023 delivers on the Government's commitment to expand and modernise the Aus [trunc”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Australia's enduring embrace of the arts and culture has entered a new era. Under the Albanese Labor government, a new national cultural policy named Revive will jump-start and revitalise the Australian arts, entertainment and culture scene for the next five years. This ambitious and comprehensive plan for the arts wil”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I stand before you today to advocate for the passage of the Creative Australia Bill 2023 and the Creative Australia (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023. This legislation not only acknowledges the immense cultural and economic value of the creative arts sector but also demonstrates the Albanese governm”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Australian artists tell our nation's collective story. Albert Namatjira painted ghostly gums. AC/DC was a group of Fremantle boys who took the world by storm, singing about pubs along the Canning Highway in my electorate of Swan. And Bluey, Australia's favourite cartoon, which has a captive audience of both parents and”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It's my pleasure to speak on the Creative Australia Bill 2023 today, if not a little daunting to see the author of it in the House with us. Being creative is definitely good for the soul and it's fundamental to the way we as human beings work, live and start to thrive. We all know, as the member for Lalor discussed, th”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I am so proud to lead a government that follows in the footsteps of every Labor government that has recognised and respected the centrality of culture and the arts to our quality of life. After just one year in government, with the Creative Australia Bill 2023 and the associated legislation, we are keeping another impo”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The Creative Australia Bill 2023 and the Creative Australia (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023 are part of a series of bills that will support the implementation of Australia's national cultural policy, Revive. It's a policy we are deeply proud of, and it will start turning around a decade of neglect”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I table a correction to the explanatory memorandum relating to the Creative Australia Bill 2023, which will be circulated in the chamber. I thank all those who have contributed to this debate and acknowledge the support that has been given across the chamber. Some questions have been asked during contributions, which I”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
9 speakers · 8 support · 1 oppose
“FLETCHER (—) (): I rise to speak on behalf of the coalition on the Creative Australia Bill 2023 and the Creative Australia (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023. By all who believe that what the Australian arts sector needs is more Commonwealth arts officials, this bill will be greeted with delight. The”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on the Creative Australia Bill 2023 and the Creative Australia Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023. I believe that arts funding should as much as possible go to support artists, performers and arts workers, and the backstage crews, exhibition facilitators and all the people who work to ”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on the Creative Australia Bill 2023. I'm a supporter of the bill. I would just like to make the point that, whilst I'm very happy to speak on this legislation, it is one of two debates I want to participate in today. The other one is the appropriations bill, which is important. It's the budget. I want t”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“TEVENS () (): It is an exciting evening here in the House of Representatives as we debate a bill to change the name of a government agency, the Creative Australia Bill 2023. It's not the first time that we've done this. I think the last one was Jobs and Skills Australia. That was equally thrilling, to spend the time of”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to say a few words about this very important industry and the consequences of the Creative Australia Bill 2023, which we will not be opposing. I want to put on the record some of the achievements of the former coalition government. First of all, the national cultural plan that is at the heart of these changes is”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on the Creative Australia Bill 2023, which is cognate with the Creative Australia (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023. The purpose of the Creative Australia Bill is to put in place legislation, as set out in the explanatory memorandum, to provide for Creative Australia as a modern enti”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on the Creative Australia Bill 2023, which will effectively establish Creative Australia. I can guarantee you one thing, and that is that, if you go to the public service and ask for advice on how to streamline agencies, processes and principles, the answer will always be to create another agency—becaus”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise today with some cognitive dissonance, as a boy from the Hunter Valley who grew up on sports, particularly motor sports and rugby league and who is a member of the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee that examined these bills and similar ones. As the previous speaker, Senator Roberts, mentioned, ”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I wasn't going to speak in relation to this piece of legislation, the Creative Australia Bill 2023 and the related bill, but I was moved to speak to defend my very good friend ex-senator George Brandis, who was the Leader of the Government in the Senate and was the arts minister. I can remember when George Brandis was ”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 support
“I rise to speak in favour of this particular package of bills today—the Creative Australia Bill 2023 and the Creative Australia (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023. This is an important step forward. Our arts industry and creative workers right across the country have suffered over a decade of funding”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 oppose
“As a servant to the many amazing people who make up our great Queensland community—our one great Queensland community—I rise to speak on the Creative Australia Bill 2023. It is legislation that is so out of touch that it's my duty—indeed my pleasure—to make remarks on this legislation, which implements a previous bill ”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 support
“Next week the Sydney Film Festival will open with the premier of an Australian feature film The New Boy, directed by one of our most celebrated Aboriginal filmmakers, Warwick Thornton, and starring one of our most celebrated actors, Cate Blanchett. The film screens alongside around 30 other Australian features, documen”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Referred to Federation Chamber
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Returned to House for further consideration
Returned to House for further consideration
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Reported from Federation Chamber
Reported from Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Committee of the Whole debate
Committee of the Whole debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
