4183.0 - Cultural Funding by Government, Australia, 2002-03  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 28/07/2004   
   Page tools: Print Print Page Print all pages in this productPrint All

Cultural funding by government increases


Government funding for cultural activities rose to $5 billion in 2002-03, up 5% since 2001-02, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The increase in funding translated to an average of $250 for every person in Australia. This was an increase of $10 per person since 2001-02.

State and territory governments contributed the most funding to cultural activities ($2,238 million (m) or 45% of total government funding). This funding was primarily for heritage activities such as nature parks and reserves ($988m), art and other museums ($431m) and libraries and archives ($358m).

The Australian Government provided $1,671m or 34% of the total cultural funding by government. The Australian Government focussed funding on arts activities, particularly broadcasting and film ($980m). However, art and other museums in the heritage sector were also a major recipient of Commonwealth funds ($257m).

Local government funding for cultural activities rose 22% to $1,025m in 2002-03. Increases in local government spending on cultural activities were recorded by almost all states and territories.

Local governments in South Australia contributed the largest amount of cultural funding per person of $64 in 2002-03, which was 23% above the average of $52 per person for local governments across Australia.

Further information is in Cultural Funding by Government, Australia, 2002-03 (cat. no. 4183.0).

Media Note: One billion = one thousand million