This bill became law on Jul 9th, 2024.
Culture, sport & community
Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it. will add a new First Nations ArtsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. unit to support and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice inside the national arts body.
ReviveThe national cultural policy that set up the reforms this bill is finishing. left gaps in support for First Nations artsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. autonomy and the literature sector within Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it.. This bill creates First Nations ArtsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. and Writing AustraliaThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support the literature sector and help Australian writing reach bigger audiences and markets., sets up a First Nations BoardThe group that guides First Nations Arts and makes funding decisions for that part of Creative Australia. and Writing Australia CouncilThe body that advises Creative Australia on Writing Australia and helps oversee its work., and protects First Nations control over individual funding decisions.
After the Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it. Act 2023 created a revamped national arts body and ReviveThe national cultural policy that set up the reforms this bill is finishing. set out the next reforms, the government said the new structure still needed dedicated bodies for First Nations artsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. and the literature sector. This bill responded by creating First Nations ArtsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice., a First Nations BoardThe group that guides First Nations Arts and makes funding decisions for that part of Creative Australia. and Writing AustraliaThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support the literature sector and help Australian writing reach bigger audiences and markets. inside Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it. while protecting First Nations control over individual funding decisions, and it became law in July 2024.
The main criticism was that the bill was largely symbolic and unlikely to make much practical difference for artists, writers or the wider creative sector beyond reshuffling structures inside Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it.. That case was put most clearly by the Coalition while still not opposing the bill, with other comments limited to narrower concerns about fair representation and grant settings.
Hon Tony Burke MP introduced this bill. It passed with support from Labor, Greens, Liberal Party, Nationals, some crossbench members; opposed by One Nation, UAP.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 09 July 2024
Final passage
Recorded final vote
1 counted final-passage vote was recorded.
Passage speed
34 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it. will add a new First Nations ArtsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. unit to support and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice inside the national arts body.
Australia will also add Writing AustraliaThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support the literature sector and help Australian writing reach bigger audiences and markets. to back the literature sector and help Australian books reach more readers and markets.
A new First Nations BoardThe group that guides First Nations Arts and makes funding decisions for that part of Creative Australia. will fund and guide First Nations artsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. work, advise Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it., and receive its own budget from Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it..
Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it.’s main board can direct the new First Nations and writing bodies, but it cannot override a particular First Nations artsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. funding decision.
Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it.’s chief executive can hand the chair role for the Music Australia CouncilAn existing Creative Australia council that is mentioned because the chief executive can delegate its chair role when needed. or Writing Australia CouncilThe body that advises Creative Australia on Writing Australia and helps oversee its work. to a senior staff member or board member when needed.
First Nations Arts will be responsible within Creative Australia for supporting and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice, undertaking any direction made by the First Nations Board relating to its functions, and any other matter as directed by the Australia Council Board.Creative Australia Amendment (Implementation of Revive) explanatory memorandum
Writing Australia will be established as part of Creative Australia and will be responsible for supporting and promoting the Australian literature sector and developing markets and audiences for Australian literature.Creative Australia Amendment (Implementation of Revive) explanatory memorandum
The Bill establishes the First Nations Board, which has a number of functions including to support and invest in a diverse range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice, promote best practice in First Nations cultural protocols in arts and provide financial assistance to support these functions. The First Nations Board will also advise the Australia Council Board on the responsibilities of First Nations Arts and report to the Board on the performance of the First Nations Board’s functions. As the accountable authority, the Australia Council Board will allocate a budget to the First Nations Board for the purposes of exercising its functions.Creative Australia Amendment (Implementation of Revive) explanatory memorandum
The Australia Council Board will have full oversight of both parts, and may give direction to the First Nations Board and the Writing Australia Council to perform a function and to exercise a particular power of Creative Australia or provide any directions relating to the performance of the functions. The Australia Council Board cannot give directions to the First Nations Board in relation to the making of a decision, in a particular case, relating to the provision of financial assistance. This limitation is designed for consistency with, and acknowledgment of, self-determination as a human right for First Nations peoples, as enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It recognises and respects the crucial place of First Nations stories at the centre of Australia’s arts and culture by supporting and promoting investment in the creation and production of First Nations arts projects and initiatives with priorities and funding decisions determined by First Nations leaders.Creative Australia Amendment (Implementation of Revive) explanatory memorandum
Proposed subsection 84A(1) would enable the Chief Executive Officer to delegate the function of Chair of Music Australia Council and Writing Australia Council respectively under subsections 39(2) or 47D(2). However, the provision limits the delegation to either an employee of Creative Australia who holds, or is acting in, the position of director or an equivalent higher position (paragraph 84A(1)(a)) or a Board member (paragraph 84A(1)(b)). Where the Chief Executive Officer seeks to delegate the Chair role to an employee of Creative Australia, noting that the categories of employee who may be delegates is limited, it is expected that the individual would have a high level of seniority within Creative Australia and only persons with specified expertise, experience, and skills required to perform the function would be delegated to the role. It is intended that any future delegation of the Chair role would be for administrative convenience and efficiency. The Chief Executive Officer would continue to be principally accountable to Creative Australia and the Australia Council Board. The proposed delegation power would allow some flexibility for the Chief Executive Officer to balance the responsibilities of these supplementary roles against their broader responsibility for the day‑to‑day administration of Creative Australia and as required, draw on the specific sector expertise of an Creative Australia executive or Australia Council Board member. No additional remuneration would be payable to any delegate occupying the Chair role.Creative Australia Amendment (Implementation of Revive) explanatory memorandum
Context
After the Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it. Act 2023 created a revamped national arts body and ReviveThe national cultural policy that set up the reforms this bill is finishing. set out the next reforms, the government said the new structure still needed dedicated bodies for First Nations artsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. and the literature sector. This bill responded by creating First Nations ArtsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice., a First Nations BoardThe group that guides First Nations Arts and makes funding decisions for that part of Creative Australia. and Writing AustraliaThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support the literature sector and help Australian writing reach bigger audiences and markets. inside Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it. while protecting First Nations control over individual funding decisions, and it became law in July 2024.
ReviveThe national cultural policy that set up the reforms this bill is finishing. commits to a First Nations-led board and Writing AustraliaThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support the literature sector and help Australian writing reach bigger audiences and markets.
The explanatory memorandum says ReviveThe national cultural policy that set up the reforms this bill is finishing. promised a dedicated First Nations-led board within Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it. and a new Writing AustraliaThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support the literature sector and help Australian writing reach bigger audiences and markets. body to back the literature sector and build audiences and markets.
Creative Australia Amendment (Implementation of Revive) explanatory memorandum ↗Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it. Act 2023 creates the new national arts body
According to the minister's second reading speech, the 2023 Act established Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it. as a modernised national arts body and also created Music Australia and Creative Workplaces as the first legislative step in ReviveThe national cultural policy that set up the reforms this bill is finishing..
Hansard ↗Government introduces the bill to add First Nations ArtsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. and Writing AustraliaThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support the literature sector and help Australian writing reach bigger audiences and markets.
When the bill was introduced, the government said it would complete another phase of ReviveThe national cultural policy that set up the reforms this bill is finishing. by creating First Nations ArtsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice., a First Nations BoardThe group that guides First Nations Arts and makes funding decisions for that part of Creative Australia., Writing AustraliaThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support the literature sector and help Australian writing reach bigger audiences and markets. and a Writing Australia CouncilThe body that advises Creative Australia on Writing Australia and helps oversee its work. within Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it..
Australian Parliament House ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, clearing the way for Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it. to gain new bodies for First Nations artsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. and literature with special protection for individual First Nations funding decisions.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal AssentThe final step that turned the bill into an Act and made the changes law. makes the ReviveThe national cultural policy that set up the reforms this bill is finishing. changes law
Royal AssentThe final step that turned the bill into an Act and made the changes law. turned the bill into an Act, giving legal effect to the new First Nations ArtsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. and Writing AustraliaThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support the literature sector and help Australian writing reach bigger audiences and markets. structures inside Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it..
Parliamentary timeline ↗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.
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.
Reported from Federation Chamber
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
Recorded vote: 39 to 2.
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
Recorded vote: 39 to 2.
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 turned the bill into an Act and made the changes law., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was that the bill was largely symbolic and unlikely to make much practical difference for artists, writers or the wider creative sector beyond reshuffling structures inside Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it.. That case was put most clearly by the Coalition while still not opposing the bill, with other comments limited to narrower concerns about fair representation and grant settings.
No party represented in the debate opposed the bill, and most reservations were limited or conditional.
Seen as mostly symbolic
The sharpest criticism was that the bill looked like action without delivering much real change, because it mainly created or renamed bodies inside Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it. rather than adding practical help for the sector.
Risk of uneven representation in practice
Some supporters warned that the new bodies and funding settings still need to represent the full spread of Australian artists fairly, including regional and Western Australian practitioners and Australia's multicultural communities, or the reform could leave gaps in who benefits.
Further sources
Votes
The chamber-passage votes come first. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
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.
Passed 39 to 2. Support came from Labor, Greens, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from One Nation and UAP.
Earlier bill-stage votes
Passed 39 to 2. Support came from Labor, Greens, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from One Nation and UAP.
Passed 39 to 2. Support came from Labor, Greens, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from One Nation and UAP.
These are votes on the bill itself rather than amendment votes.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Mr Burke supports the bill because it completes the remaining Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it. changes promised in ReviveThe national cultural policy that set up the reforms this bill is finishing., including new First Nations ArtsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. and Writing AustraliaThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support the literature sector and help Australian writing reach bigger audiences and markets. bodies.
Read in Hansard ↗Fletcher says the coalition will not oppose the bill, but argues it is inconsequential and will not make any practical difference to arts and creative work in Australia.
Read in Hansard ↗Chaney supports the bill and says it is important for recognising First Nations stories and strengthening Australian arts and literature.
Read in Hansard ↗Ayres supports the bill, saying it completes the ReviveThe national cultural policy that set up the reforms this bill is finishing. reforms by creating First Nations ArtsThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice. and Writing AustraliaThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support the literature sector and help Australian writing reach bigger audiences and markets. inside Creative AustraliaThe national arts body that this bill changes by adding new First Nations and writing parts inside it..
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
8 speakers · 8 support
“This Bill marks the completion of legislative changes to Creative Australia to enable the delivery of commitments under Revive. It is consistent with the Government's strong commitment to our First Nations art and arts workers and to ensuring our Literature sector is world class and sustainable.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill outlines the Albanese government's commitment to improving the quality of investment into the arts. The bill is going to ensure that artists and art organisations have greater supports. The government is truly committed to bringing back respect and real tangible support to our artists and to the art sector.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill continues the proud Labor tradition of supporting and valuing the arts and showcases the Albanese Labor government's steadfast commitment to the arts. I particularly commend Minister Burke for his great work in this area. The establishment of First Nations Arts and Writing Australia will foster work that creates shared experiences and human connections. It will add to the rich catalogue of creative work that tells the story of our country. It helps us to understand it, to understand ourselves and to further strengthen our national identity. A writer friend told me, 'We tell stories to make sense of who we are.' I'm proud to support this bill for the contributions its institutions will make to our combined national story. I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill marks the completion of legislative changes to Creative Australia to enable the delivery of commitments under Revive. It is consistent with the government's strong commitment to our First Nations art and arts workers and to ensuring that our literature sector is world class and sustainable. Revive demonstrates the Albanese government's commitment to improving the quality of investment in the arts sector and to strengthening and streamlining access to support, including for artists and arts organisations.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill establishes two new bodies within Creative Australia—First Nations Arts and Writing Australia—delivering on two key commitments announced in the National Cultural Policy. The Albanese Labor government is committed to supporting the arts, and our art community know just how genuinely passionate and interested in the arts our minister is.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill marks the completion of legislative changes to Creative Australia to enable the delivery of commitments under Revive. It is consistent with the government's strong commitment to our First Nations art and arts workers and to ensuring our literature sector is world class and sustainable.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill further implements the Revive policy document and, in doing so, offers the arts community—in particular our First Nations people—and writing communities a place at the table, front and centre, where they belong.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 support
“Let me conclude by stating the coalition's position in relation to this bill. We believe it is entirely inconsequential. We believe it will make no practical difference in the extent and vigour of creative and artistic endeavour in Australia. We believe it is the kind of legislation you come up with when you want to pretend you have a meaningful agenda but in fact you do not. We will not be opposing this bill, but we do not believe it is the kind of thing that an effective arts minister would be concentrating his attention and energy on.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
2 speakers · 3 contributions · 2 support
“I'm fully supportive of this bill, the Creative Australia Amendment (Implementation of Revive) Bill 2024, particularly the attention on recognising and respecting the crucial place of First Nations stories at the centre of Australia's arts and culture.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Zali Steggall on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Steggall supports the bill, saying it will expand opportunities by investing in First Nations artists and Australian writers and helping build a strong creative industry. She also says the sector has been underfunded and still needs more policy support.
“The bill before us will expand many opportunities by investing in First Nations artists and Australian writers and ensuring that we have a strong and vibrant creative industry.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Steggall supports the bill, saying it will give more support and certainty to First Nations artists and create Writing AustraliaThe new part of Creative Australia set up to support the literature sector and help Australian writing reach bigger audiences and markets. to back the literature sector. Her only caution is that the new funding bodies should also reflect Australia’s multicultural character.
“The bill before us will help to start to turn that around and give more support to and certainty for First Nations artists. The bill—and I will support it—will create two new bodies within Creative Australia: First Nations Arts and also Writing Australia.”Read this contribution 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 · 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 · Reported from Federation Chamber
Reported from Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
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 agreed to
Recorded vote: 39 to 2.
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 · Third reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 39 to 2.
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 turned the bill into an Act and made the changes law., turning the bill into an Act.
