THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MEMBER FOR SYDNEY
THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
BISHOP BLOCKBUSTERS COME AT THE EXPENSE OF AUSTRALIAN FILMMAKERS
When the Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced$47.3 million of grants for Hollywood blockbusters in October, she didn't admit that this would come at the expense of Australian filmmakers.
But the Budget update released today reveals that the Turnbull Government will cut $10.4 million from Screen Australia to help fund its spending on two Ridley Scott films,Alien:Covenant, and Thor.
Labor condemns the Governments cut to Screen Australia, the third in only 18 months.
Malcolm Turnbull has cut Screen Australia even further than Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey could bring themselves to do.
We certainly want more major Hollywood blockbusters made here, but not at the expense of Australian films.
Screen Australia provides critical support to Australian filmmakers to tell Australian stories, in Australian voices. Many of our producers, directors, actors, and creative professionals rely on its help.
Malcolm Turnbull should be working to help the Australian film industry grow, not trying to shut it down.
TUESDAY, 15 DECEMBER 2015
