The South Australian parliament passed an amendment to the Gaming Act that offers a CPI increase of $350,000 to the $500,000 Community Development Fund, bringing it up to $850,000.
The CDF goes towards Live Music initiatives as touring grants, artist grants and projects. Prior to the vote on 24 July the Fund had not had an increase in 10 years. The $500,000 fund was set up when poker machines were introduced into the state, and now represents less than .5% of the total arts funding budget.
The July amendment was put forward by the Greens. Both MusicSA and SLAM SA (Save Live Australian Music) were encouraged by bipartisan support by the Government and the Opposition.
- Christie Eliezer
