Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts annual report 2007–08
Volume one
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, 2008
ISSN 1441-9335
Managing the department (continued)
Finances
Financial performance
The Department performed strongly against its total expense budget of $1.751 billion with a variation of 3.1% below expectation (52.3 million).
The two comparison tables below explain the main features of the department’s funding in 2007–08.
| Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts | 2006–07 | 2007–08 | 2007–08 | 2007–08 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuals $000’s |
Budget $000’s |
Actuals $000’s |
Variance $000’s |
||
| Departmental Outcome 1 | Revenue | 292 148 | 347 854 | 348 828 | 974 |
| Expenses | (293 331) | (347 005) | (341 859) | 5 146 | |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | (1 183) | 849 | 6 969 | 6 120 | |
| Departmental Outcome 2 | Revenue | 105 329 | 107 115 | 111 765 | 4 650 |
| Expenses | (127 770) | (130 201) | (135 996) | (5 795) | |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | (22 441) | (23 086) | (24 231) | 1 145 | |
| Departmental Outcome 3 | Revenue | - | 47 673 | 42 691 | (4 982) |
| Expenses | - | (47 803) | (37 004) | 10 799 | |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | - | (130) | 5687 | 5 557 | |
| Departmental Outcome 4 | Revenue | - | 45 250 | 47 651 | 2 401 |
| Expenses | - | (46 516) | (44 391) | 2 125 | |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | - | (1 266) | 3 260 | 4 526 | |
| Total Departmental | Revenue | 397 477 | 547 892 | 550 935 | 3 043 |
| Expenses | (421 101) | (571 525) | (559 250) | 12 275 | |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | (23 624) | (23 633) | (8 315) | (15 318) | |
| Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts | 2006–07 | 2007–08 | 2007–08 | 2007–08 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuals $000’s |
Budget $000’s |
Actuals $000’s |
Variance $000’s |
||
| Administered Outcome 1 | Revenues | 141 794 | 4 216 | 8 937 | 4 721 |
| Expenses | (592 979) | 823 114 | (789 853) | 33 261 | |
| Administered Outcome 2 | Revenues | - | - | - | - |
| Expenses | (1300) | (3000) | (224) | 2 776 | |
| Administered Outcome 3 | Revenues | - | 300 | 3 995 | 3 695 |
| Expenses | - | (238 226) | (235 992) | 2234 | |
| Administered Outcome 4 | Revenues | - | 0 | 548 | 548 |
| Expenses | - | (115 444) | (113 660) | 1 784 | |
| Total administered | Revenues | 141 794 | 4 516 | 13 480 | 8 964 |
| Expenses | (594 279) | 1 179 784 | (1 139 729) | 40 055 | |
Note:
The 2008 Budget ($49.7m) and the Actuals ($27.0m) for Water Entitlement Procurements have been reclassified as assets and not reflected in these tables.
| Key to column headings in the previous tables | |
|---|---|
| 2006–07 Actuals | Actual revenues and expenses for 2006–07 as at 30 June 2007 |
| 2007–08 Budget | The department’s 2007–08 revised Budget shown in the 2008–09 Portfolio Budget Statement. |
| 2007–08 Actuals | Actual revenues and expenses for 2007–08 as at 30 June 2008 |
| 2007–08 Variance | The difference between the revised budget and the actual results for 2007–08, i.e. 2007–08 Actuals minus 2007–08 Budget |
| Funding class | Revenues | Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Departmental Outcome 1 | Revenues increased from 2006–07 by $56.680m due to a range of measures including those for Climate Change ($20.350), EPBC Act administration ($17.4m) and Environment and Heritage Protection ($13.982m). These revenues were supplemented with additional grants and recoveries for environmental services and science ($37.248m). This income was reduced by the transfer of climate change programs through Administrative Arrangement Orders to the Department of Climate Change ($28.6m) and Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism ($3.7m). Revenues are favourable to budget by $0.974m primarily in line with expectations. |
Expenses increased from 2006–07 by $48.528m due to a range of measures including those for Climate Change ($20.350m), EPBC Act administration ($17.4m) and Environment and Heritage Protection ($13.982m). These expenses were supplemented with additional grants and recoveries for environmental services and science ($37.248m) of which $8.158m was not expensed in this period. These expenses were reduced by the transfer of climate change programs through Administrative Arrangement Orders to the Department of Climate Change ($28.6m) and Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism ($3.7m). Expenses are favourable to budget by $5.146m primarily due to advertising not spent and to be returned to the Budget. |
| Departmental Outcome 2 | Revenues increased from 2006–07 by $6.436m primarily due to a new measure for the support of Shipping to the Antartica ($4,999m) and an increase in cost recovered programs (1.437m). Revenues are favourable to budget by $1.786m primarily due to greater than expected cost recoveries. |
Expenses increased from 2006–07 by $8.226m due to additional depreciation and amortisation and continuing cost pressures surrounding increases in logistics and fuel costs. Expenses are unfavourable to budget by $5.795m due to price increases in logistics and fuel costs. |
| Departmental Outcome 3 | Revenue increased from 2006–07 by 42.691m due primarily to the increased funding to support the sustainable management of water resources and efficiencies in water use initiatives. Revenues are unfavourable to budget by $4.982m primarily due to less than expected recoveries ($0.5m) and an adjustment to corporate overhead ($4.482m). |
Expenses increased from 2006–07 by $37.004m due to increased funding to support the sustainable management of water resources and efficiencies in water use initiatives. Expenses are favourable to budget by $10.799m due to delays in implementing initiatives and adjustments in corporate overhead. |
| Departmental Outcome 4 | 2007–08 revenues ($47.651m) reflect the part year transfer of the Arts and Culture function from the former Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts as a result of the Administrative Arrangements Orders of 3 December 2007 and new measures funding for the Creative Communities Program ($1.750m) and the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards ($0.100m). Revenues are favourable by $2.401m to budget primarily due to write back off employee provisions. |
2007–08 expenses ($44.391m) reflect operational costs associated with the Arts and Culture function for 7 months and include expenses associated with new measures for the Creative Communities Program and the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards. Expenses are favourable to budget by $2.125m primarily due to adjustments in corporate overhead. |
| Funding class | Revenues | Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Administered Outcome 1 | Revenues decreased from 2006–07 by $134.057m primarily due to the one off nature of the assets recognised for the first time in 2006-07 relating to the properties at Point Nepean in Victoria and North Head in Sydney. | Expenses increased from 2006–07 by $196.874m primarily due to increased funding associated with the following program groups:
Off setting these measures were climate change programs transferred to other agencies as a result of Administrative Arrangement Orders and included:
|
| Administered Outcome 2 | Not applicable | Expenses increased from 2006–07 by $1.076 m due to terminating funding in 2006–07 to restore Mawsons Huts in the Antarctic. |
| Administered Outcome 3 | Revenues increased from 2006–07 by $2.620m due to additional recoveries and returns. | Expenses increased from 2006–07 by $235.992m due to additional measures for:
|
| Administered Outcome 4 | Revenues increased from 2006–07 by $0.548m due to refunds of payments from prior years. | 2007–08 expenses of $113.660m reflect the part year effect of Arts and Culture functions transferred as a result of the Administrative Arrangements Orders of 3 December 2007. |
Financial position
Assets
The written down value of assets administered directly by the department in 2007–08 increased from the previous year by $97.471 million. The primary movements were as a result of the Net Asset transfers resulting from the Administrative Arrangement Orders on 3 December 2007 ($67.671 million) and other increases in Cash and Receivables of $29.8 million due to money set aside for asset replacements and employee provisions.
Liabilities
Liabilities administered directly by the department in 2007–08 amounted to $304.004 million. This was an increase from the previous year of $42.575 million. The increase was due to an increase in grant and supplier payables, and employee provisions.
Total equity
The department ended the year with total equity of $280.477 million, an increase of $54.896 million from the equity of $225.581 million in 2006–07.
Assets management
The department’s assets are located throughout Australia. The largest material component of assets is attached to the Australian Antarctic Division. Assets continue to age perpetually putting pressure on funding streams for their upkeep and replacement. The replacement of assets is of particular concern due to the large unfunded component estimated at $140 million.
The Australian Accounting Standards Board has issued replacement Australian Accounting Standards to apply from 2005–06. The new standards are the Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards. Under this standard, a requirement sees a ‘make-good’ provision for departmental assets, obliging the department to remove and restore assets to the amount of approximately $202 million.
A capital infrastructure plan developed throughout 2006–07 outlines the requirements of capital replacement and maintenance over the next 10 years.
| Measurement | 2006–07 $ million | 2007–08 $ million |
|---|---|---|
| Assets | 487.010 | 584.481 |
| Liabilities | 261.429 | 304.004 |
| Total equity | 225.581 | 280.477 |
Procurement activities
Purchasing and procurement
The department’s procurement activities in 2007–08were conducted in accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (CPGs). Under the CPGs the core principle underpinning procurement is value for money.
Department’s procurement framework
The department has adopted a devolved procurement framework which places responsibility for procurement with the appropriate financial delegate. To support these delegates the department has established Chief Executive Instructions for procurement and provides awareness training; maintains relevant documentation; provides central advice on risk management, probity, specification writing and maintains standard tender and contract templates.
A central procurement cell in the Financial Management Branch provides assistance to line areas conducting procurement and ensure compliance with relevant instructions, policies and procedures.
A Procurement Review Board comprising senior executives of the department, exists to oversee procurement activities and ensure compliance with the mandatory requirements of the CPGs.
Department’s performance against Core Purchasing Policies
In 2007–08 the department complied with the mandatory procurement procedures as outlined in the CPGs. Relevant policy and legislative obligations, such as the policy on small and medium enterprises and the 30 day payment policy, were met.
The department advertises tender opportunities through the AusTender website. Our Annual Procurement Plan for 2007–08 was published on AusTender in June 2007 and updated throughout the year. Our Annual Procurement Plan for 2008–09 was published on AusTender in June 2008.
Reporting
The department met the requirement to report on the AusTender website all contracts entered into in 2007–08 with a value of $10,000 or more.
The department met the requirement to report on the Senate Order on Government Agency contracts for the financial year and the calendar year. All contracts over $100 000 are listed at www.environment.gov.au/about/contracts.
The department met the requirement to report to the Department of Finance and Deregulation on projects requiring Regulation 10 authorisation.
Consultancy services
The department conducts procurement for consultancy services in accordance with the established procurement framework and in accordance with the CPGs. The selection and engagement of consultants is determined by the principle of value for money.
Expenditure on consultancies during 2007–08
During 2007–08, 213 new consultancy contracts were entered into involving total actual expenditure of $14.241 million. In addition, 61 ongoing consultancy contracts were active during the 2007–08 year, involving total actual expenditure of $1.879 million.
The list of consultancy contracts let in 2007–08 to the value of $10 000 or more is available as a PDF file.
The list of consultancy contracts let in 2007–08 to the value of $10,000 or more is at www.environment.gov.au/about/publications/annual-report/07-08.
If you cannot access this list, please contact the department to organise a suitable alternative format.
Information on expenditure on contracts and consultancies is also available on the AusTender website, www.tenders.gov.au .
Exempt contracts
During 2007–08 there were no standing offers or contracts in excess of $10,000 (inclusive of GST) exempted by the chief executive from being published on AusTender under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
Access by the Auditor-General
The Department’s standard funding agreements allow for access by the Auditor-General. The long form services agreement allows for such access. The short form services agreement does not include a provision allowing for Auditor-General access. There are a number of other program specific funding agreements some of which don’t specifically mention Auditor-General access.
Advertising and market research
This table of expenditure in 2007–08 is presented in accordance with the requirements of section 311A of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.
| Market research | ||
|---|---|---|
| Agency | Purpose | Expenditure $ |
| Blue Moon Research | Market research for Climate Change | 100,680 |
| Open Mind Research Group | Research for National Plan for Water Security communications campaign | 77,770 |
| Open Mind Research Group | Research for Community Water Grants communications campaign | 3,520 |
| Peach | Defeating the Weed Menace | 98,604 |
| TOTAL | 297,892 | |
| Advertising | ||
| Agency | Purpose | Expenditure |
| M&C Saatchi | Climate Change project | 100,680.00 |
| Universal McCann | Climate Clever project | 8,257,451.71 |
| Peach | Defeating the Weed Menace | 532,556.00 |
| TOTAL | 8,890,687.71 | |
| Direct mail | ||
| Agency | Purpose | Expenditure |
| Prodocom | Heritage communications | 4,296.30 |
| Prodocom | Climate Change communications | 56.00 |
| Prodocom | Water communications | 1,984.50 |
| National Mailing and Marketing | Public Affairs | 904.36 |
| Prodocom | Public Affairs | 6,212.70 |
| TOTAL | 13,453.86 | |
Discretionary grant programs
Renewable Energy and Efficiency Division
Action on Energy Efficiency
The program works with industry, business, the community and all levels of government to increase the uptake of cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities that will reduce greenhouse emissions, reduce energy demand, and improve Australia’s competitiveness.
Alternative Fuels Conversion Program
This program is designed to assist operators and manufacturers of heavy commercial vehicles and buses (>3.5 t Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)) to convert to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Greenhouse Gas Abatement Program (GGAP)
GGAP aims to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by supporting activities that will result in substantial emissions reductions or substantial sink enhancement, particularly in the first Kyoto Protocol commitment period (2008–2012). The program also aims to improve environmental practices in the motor trades sector, including the management of used oil, recycling of consumables, reducing emissions to air, solid and liquid waste management, water conservation and storage of hazardous/dangerous substances.
Local Greenhouse Action
The Local Greenhouse Action (LGA) measure focuses on assisting local government to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations. It also supports local government in taking action with local households and businesses, and supports action to reduce single-passenger car reliance and increase active transport take-up.
Low Emissions Technology and Abatement
The Low Emission Technology and Abatement (LETA) measure will reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the longer term by supporting the identification and implementation of cost effective abatement opportunities and the uptake of small-scale low emission technologies in business, industry and local communities.
Solar Cities
The Solar Cities program provides funding to demonstrate the costs and benefits of solar power, smart electricity technologies, energy efficiency and pricing mechanisms in urban settings.
Wind Energy Forecasting Capability Initiative
This program supports a wind energy forecasting system to assist electricity network management and increase the value of wind energy in the electricity market.
Approvals and Wildlife Division
Assessments and Legislation Program
This program’s goal is to promote and facilitate community awareness and assist a range of community environmental organisations to understand the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Corporate Services Division
Education for Sustainability Grants Program
The Education for Sustainability Grants Program supports strategic community education activities that are national in focus or that have the potential to act as a catalyst for national change in support of more sustainable practices.
Environment Quality Division
Clean Air Research Program
This program provides funding over three years 2006-2008 to support research that directly addresses the key knowledge gaps in clean air policy development and management.
LEAD Group
Funding provided to support the Global Lead Advisory Support Service is targeted at reducing environmental exposure to lead and maintaining a comprehensive public information resource on lead.
Experienced Persons Licence Transition Program (EPLTP)
The EPLTP aims to improve standards in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, by improving access to competency assessment for refrigeration and air conditioning technicians who do not hold formal trade qualifications. It concentrates on geographic areas with limited access to these services.
EPLTP funding was provided to five organisations across Australia to assess competency against the four national refrigeration and air conditioning licence requirements: full refrigeration and air conditioning, automotive air conditioning, split systems air conditioning and domestic appliances.
Heritage Division
Commemorating Historic Events and Famous People
This program provides funding to projects for the maintenance of graves of former Australian Prime Ministers and Governors-General buried in Australia and projects commemorating people, events and places of national historical significance.
Historic Shipwreck Program
To assist Commonwealth, State and Territory government agencies and the Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology protect and preserve historic shipwrecks and associated relics and educate the public about this cultural resource.
Indigenous Heritage Program
The Indigenous Heritage Program supports projects that identify, conserve and promote the Indigenous heritage values of places important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Projects for Indigenous places that are on, or may be suitable for inclusion on, the National Heritage List are favourably considered.
National Heritage Investment Initiative
The National Heritage Investment Initiative is a four year (2005–06 to 2008–09) grants program that provides assistance to restore and conserve Australia’s most important historic heritage places. Under the program, priority is given to places included in the National Heritage List.
Water Reform Division
Coastal Catchments Initiative
This initiative supports the maintenance of ecologically sustainable pollutant loads, consistent with agreed environmental values for coastal waters.
Queensland Wetlands Program
The Queensland Wetlands program is a joint initiative of the Australian and Queensland Governments, funding measures that will result in long term benefits to the sustainable use, management, conservation and protection of wetlands in Queensland. The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Coastal Wetlands component of the program protects and restores wetlands adjacent to the Reef, improving the quality of water flowing into the GBR lagoon.
Water Efficiency Division
Living Murray Initiative Water Recovery Program
The program aims to recover 500 gigalitres per year of cost-effective permanent water. The aim is to achieve environmental objectives at the six Icon Sites (Barmah-Millewa Forest, Gunbower, Koondrook-Perricoota Forests, Hattah Lakes, Chowilla Floodplain (including Lindsay-Wallpolla), Murray Mouth, Coorong & Lower Lakes, River Murray Channel) and any other environmental objectives agreed by all parties to the Intergovernmental Agreement 2004 and Supplementary Intergovernmental Agreement 2007, recognising social, environmental and economic costs and benefits.
Water Resources Assessment and Research Grants program
Grants are made for consultancies and projects that promote the sustainable use and management of water resources. In particular, these grants are directed towards research on sustainable irrigation and projects that support the department’s implementation of the National Water Initiative.
Marine Division
Coastal Catchments Initiative – Reef Component (Natural Heritage Trust – NHT)
The Coastal Catchments Initiative – Reef Component supports the development and implementation of Water Quality Improvement Plants in catchments adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
Coasts and Clean Seas – Oceans Protection
Financial assistance is provided for specific domestic and international activities that contribute to the prevention and clean-up of pollution from shipping.
Conservation of Listed Migratory Waterbirds
The Migratory Waterbirds Conservation Project provides funding for high priority activities in Australia and in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, to conserve waterbirds listed under the migratory species provisions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Florabank2 (NHT)
Florabank2 is a Greening Australia project that aims to improve the availability and quality of native seed for revegetation and conservation purposes. Florabank2 has developed a website with information on native seed providers and the use of native seed for revegetation projects. It has also run training workshops on how to best collect, store and supply native seed.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Structural Adjustment Package – Community Assistance component
To assist communities affected by fishing industry restructuring by assisting in the development of new avenues of investment and employment.
Industry Implementation of the Voluntary Code of Practice for Firewood Merchants (NHT)
The Firewood Association of Australia (FAA) is an industry group that certifies members as being compliant with the Voluntary Code of Practice for Firewood Merchants. Integral to the Voluntary Code is supplying firewood from ecologically sustainable sources. Implementation of the Code helps apply the National Approach to Firewood Collection and Use in Australia. The grant supports the FAA in building its membership and developing communication tools.
Introduced Marine Pests Program (NHT)
The Introduced Marine Pests Program supports actions that will ultimately lead to the control and local eradication of introduced marine pest species.
Marine Protected Areas
This program facilitates the establishment of the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas and the management of existing reserves. Part of the Natural Heritage Trust.
Weed Warriors (NHT)
Weed Warriors is a national community program that aims to enhance community ownership of, and participation in, weed management. The program focus is on linking school students with a network of regional stakeholders and community groups through participation in practical hands-on experiences based on biological control.
Natural Resource Management Programs Division
Australian Government’s Community Water Grants Program
A community focused component of the former Australian Government Water Fund, Community Water Grants support community organisations, local governments, schools, businesses and natural resource management regional bodies for on-ground water savings and water quality improvements.
Natural Heritage Trust of Australia (NHT)
The main objective of the Trust is to conserve, repair and replenish Australia’s natural capital infrastructure, with spending being directed to the environment, sustainable agriculture and natural resources management.
Natural Heritage Trust – Envirofund
The Australian Government Envirofund is for small projects aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable resource use. Envirofund provides the opportunity and means for individuals and community groups to undertake projects tackling important local problems.
Policy Coordination Division
Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities
This is a national program to support world class public-good research on the significant environmental challenges that Australia faces. It draws on multiple disciplines and encourages collaboration on existing research strengths.
Eureka Environmental Journalism Award
This award is to encourage excellence in environmental journalism.
Grants to Voluntary Environment and Heritage Organisations (GVEHO)
The GVEHO program provides administrative funds to help community based environmental and heritage organisations to involve the community in the conservation and protection of Australia’s natural environment and cultural heritage.
Working on Country
The Working on Country program provides grant funding for Indigenous people to undertake environmental work on country that meets both their aspirations for caring for country and the Australian Government’s environmental responsibilities. It also provides a mechanism through which Indigenous people can move into jobs.
Parks Australia Division
Australian Biological Resources Study Participatory Program (NHT)
This program supports the documentation of Australia’s biological diversity and facilitates training to increase the national taxonomic effort.
National Reserve System Program (NHT)
This is a program under the Natural Heritage Trust. It meets the requirement under the National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity to establish a comprehensive and representative system of terrestrial protected areas.
Indigenous Protected Areas (NHT)
The Indigenous Protected Areas program supports Indigenous landowners in establishing Indigenous Protected Areas, to reverse the decline in the extent and quality of Australia’s native vegetation. This is achieved through the protection of the remnants of native vegetation and by revegetation works.
Arts and Culture Divisions
Indigenous Culture Support Program
The Indigenous Culture Support (ICS) program provides support for the maintenance and continued development of Indigenous cultures in communities. The emphasis of the program is on participation by members of Indigenous communities in cultural activities and transmission of knowledge and skills across age groups to build sustainable communities. The program also supports new forms of cultural expression, cultural exchange and projects to increase public awareness of Indigenous culture.
Maintenance of Indigenous Languages and Records Program
The Maintenance of Indigenous Languages and Records program aims to address the steady erosion and loss of Australia’s estimated 250 original Indigenous languages by providing support for the maintenance and revival of these languages.
Indigenous Broadcasting Program
The Indigenous Broadcasting Program (IBP) supports Indigenous community radio broadcasting through direct funding for individual broadcasters, and indirect support of activities such as regional and peak bodies, radio content production and media training for the sector. The program also supports Imparja Television, Australia’s only Indigenous-owned commercial television service.
The program’s main objective is to help provide broadcasting services that promote Indigenous culture and language and inform Indigenous Australians about accessing a range of health, legal, education and housing services.
National Arts and Crafts Industry Support
The National Arts and Crafts Industry Support (NACIS) program provides direct funding support to Indigenous art centres and arts support and advocacy organisations. The program’s overall objectives are to assist art centres to become stronger and to build a more sustainable Indigenous visual arts industry.
Cultural Development Program
The department administers a range of programs that support cultural excellence, provide access to cultural activities and promote Australia’s moveable heritage. Funding for many of these programs is collectively grouped under the Cultural Development Program for budgeting purposes and includes:
Playing Australia
The national touring program for the performing arts is designed to assist the touring of professionally produced productions across state and territory boundaries, particularly to regional and remote areas, where this is currently not commercially viable and there is a demonstrated audience demand.
Regional Arts Fund
This is a devolved program, delivered by the peak regional arts organisation in each state, and by the arts departments in the territories. It supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities through encouraging the formation of productive partnerships to support home-grown arts activities and the creation of networks to reduce isolation, exchange ideas and publicise opportunities. It also assists the professional development of regionally-based artists and enables regional communities to gain arts skills and build capacity through participation in creative arts projects.
Festivals Australia and Festivals Australia Regional Residencies
The Festivals Australia program funds arts-driven cultural projects that add a new element to regular regional and community festivals.
The Festivals Australia Regional Residencies program (originally announced as Australian Stories) terminated in June 2008. It enabled regional and remote communities to obtain the assistance of an artist-in-residence in developing creative arts projects that explored a local story or issue and presented it at a local festival or community celebration.
Contemporary Music Touring Program
The Contemporary Music Touring Program supports touring opportunities for emerging Australian musicians and increases audience access to live performances of contemporary music across the country.
Visions of Australia Program
The Visions of Australia Program is the Australian Government’s national touring exhibitions funding program. It assists not-for-profit incorporated organisations and public collecting institutions to develop and tour exhibitions of Australian cultural material throughout Australia, particularly to regional and remote areas.
Contemporary Touring Initiative
The Contemporary Touring Initiative (CTI) commenced in 2004. It is part of the Australian Government’s Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, which was developed in response to the recommendations of the Report of the Contemporary Visual Arts and Craft Inquiry (Myer Report). The CTI aims to attract new and existing audiences to contemporary Australian visual arts and craft. The CTI provides assistance to major collecting institutions with demonstrated experience and expertise to develop and tour major exhibitions.