Abetz cuts put Tasmania’s creative economy at risk

It's a bit gauche for Premier Rockliff and Minister Jaensch to boast about the economic returns from Tasmania’s arts and cultural sector while simultaneously undermining the people and organisations that deliver them. 

The latest economic results from Dark Mofo highlight the significant contribution Tasmania’s arts and cultural sector makes to the state’s economy, tourism industry, and hospitality businesses.

Yet, Premier Rockliff and Eric Abetz are dismantling our state’s creative future brick-by-brick to pay for 13 years of Liberal waste.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is facing significant cuts to staff and funding, creative courses at TasTAFE across screen and media, graphic design, and fashion and textiles have been axed, and Screen Tasmania is being left to wither.

Tasmania’s cultural success relies on our artists, performers, producers, technicians, venues, and creative workers. If we cut the pipeline that supports them, there will be consequences for the broader economy. 

If Rockliff believes Tasmania’s arts sector is an economic driver, it’s time his Government started treating it like one. 

A state that invests its culture and creativity is a state that invests in its future, but Tasmania is taking a major step backwards under Eric Abetz’s cuts.