[Greens-Media] Why 'revitalise' what is already so vital? Students bring music to Parliament

[Hollo, Tim (Sen C. Milne)]

Why 'revitalise' what is already so vital? Students bring music to
Parliament

Canberra, Tuesday 28 November 2008

The Government is in damage control over the ill-advised decision to
close the Australian National Academy of Music, and the Prime Minister
must immediately step in to impose at least a 12 month moratorium on the
decision, the Australian Greens said today.

In answering a question from Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Arts
Spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne, Senator Wong once again
denigrated the Academy by telling the students and staff present in the
gallery that the world-class institution needed to be "revitalised".

"Anyone who has heard the wonderful music echoing through the corridors
of Parliament today will understand that there is nothing about these
students that needs to be revitalised," Senator Milne said.

"These young performers are already so full of life, and, thanks to the
superb level of tuition from the Academy, so brilliantly able to convey
their vigour and joy through their music!

"There is very little time left to reverse this ridiculous decision to
close down an institution which is producing musicians so admired on the
world stage. By next week, so many of the staff and students will have
made their own alternative arrangements - many of them overseas - that
it will be too late.

"The Government has completely failed to give any reason why the Academy
cannot run its 2009 program, giving its students the excellent standard
of tuition they have come to expect, while any discussions about the
future continue. Why disadvantage the students and faculty so much for
no reason?"

A motion jointly moved by Senator Milne and Liberal Senator Michael
Ronaldson today passed with the numbers of the two parties.

The motion noted the expressions of support for the Academy from around
the world and the lack of appropriate arrangements for the students and
faculty for next year, and called on the Government to acknowledge its
mistake and immediately impose a 12 month moratorium on the decision.

"The broad cross-party support for the Academy demonstrates how wrong
this decision is.

"There is no reason why the Academy cannot be kept open for at least 12
months, be funded to run its excellent planned program for 2009, while
its long term future is secured.

"Minister Garrett must be aware that he has already very effectively
alienated the classical music community! If he refuses to back down,
that community will make sure that he pays a political price."

Tim Hollo 
Media and Communications Adviser 
Senator Christine Milne 
Australian Greens Deputy Leader
ph: (02) 6277 3588 
mob: 0437 587 562
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