[Greens-Media] It’s not too late to Save the VCA - Sue Pennicuik MLC (Vic)

[Amanda.Sharp at parliament.vic.gov.au]

Friday, 20 August 2009


It’s not too late to Save the VCA

"It's not too late for the state government to step in to ensure that the 
VCA does not disintegrate as a result of its incorporation into Melbourne 
University," Greens MP for the Southern Metropolitan Region, Sue Pennicuik 
told a rally of VCA students and supporters on the steps of state 
parliament today.

The Minister for Arts, Lynne Kosky told parliament, when she presented the 
legislation to incorporate the VCA into Melbourne University in 2006, that 
the integration of the VCA with the University of Melbourne would ensure 
the long-term financial viability of the college and enable it to continue 
to fulfil its role as the leading Victorian provider of visual and 
performing arts courses. 

"Three years on and it seems that that was a hollow promise. The VCA is 
not faring well," said Ms Pennicuik. "Courses have been axed and 
experienced staff have lost their jobs with others set to follow. The 
University is looking to impose its academic teaching model on a college 
that is world famous for its hands on courses. What has made the VCA 
courses so sought after is in danger of being lost."

"The crux of the problem is the withdrawal of funding by the Howard 
government in 2003. That was a very bad decision that led to the current 
problems. However, funding from state and federal arts and education 
budgets could fix it," she said. 

"The arts minister and the Premier should stand up for the visual and 
performing arts in Victoria and negotiate a solution with the university 
to retain the status, uniqueness and distinct identity of the VCA as 
promised."

"Victoria is known as the arts capital of Australia. Victorians love to 
see their home grown actors, dancers, musicians and technicians on stage 
locally and around the world," she said. "The people of Victoria support 
our artists. It's time the government did."


For further comment:  Sue Pennicuik – 0409 055 875