[Greens-Media] Parliament Puts More Pokies Money Towards Live Music

[Franks, Office]

A Greens' amendment to the Gambling Reform Bill that will ensure that the pokies fund contribution to live music introduced over a decade ago will finally be increased by CPI, passed unanimously in the Upper House tonight.

The Greens' Arts spokesperson, Tammy Franks MLC, has enthusiastically welcomed the amendments' passage.

"This amendment will see more funding from within the $20m Community Development Fund going to live music. The amount of $500,000 having remained static for a decade at the original level.

"That base rate of $500,000 will now increase by CPI over a decade up to $850,000. This is a small amount in the scheme of overall pokies money, but will have a big impact on live music - a sector well recognised as having been adversely impacted by the introduction of pokies.

"This modest increase simply reflects the annual CPI increase had this amount been applied to the fund each year and is a welcome acknowledgment of the need for support for our live music industry.

"It's commonly accepted that the introduction of pokies hurt live music. Tonight's vote is an overdue but very welcome acknowledgment that Labor's commitment to live music had lapsed and needed to be redressed.

"It will also be welcomed by musicians and punters alike, with the funding going to initiatives such as touring grants, artist grants and projects that will potentially benefit live music venues, performers and audiences alike across South Australia," Ms Franks concluded.

To arrange further comment contact Lauren Zwaans on 0457 549 938



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