The Albanese Government is no doubt hoping for more fresh ink on the page from Australian writers with its launch of Writing Australia. But will this package be enough? Photo: Cottonbro, Pexels.
After years of incremental government funding declines, last week Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke ushered in what he describes as ‘a new page’ for Australia’s literary sector with the launch of Creative Australia’s new Writing Australia council – an industry-led committee that will be “a hub to build expertise and partnerships … support[ing] writers, publishers and a National Poet Laureate”.
On the surface, this is welcome news for Australian writers with its funding package of $26 million ($8.6 million per year) over the next three years.
ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
