SPA CEO Matthew Deaner.
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner has welcomed the pledges made recently by both the Labor Party and the Greens to restore funding to the public broadcasters and federal screen agency.
“Labor’s pledge of more than $160 million in arts funding is a strong commitment, containing a much needed boost of $60 million to ABC for the production of new independent Australian television drama", Deaner said.
"This comes at a critical time with the full effects of recent budget cuts to the ABC likely to hit in the coming year”.
“By targeting an investment in the ABC and Screen Australia, both Labor and the Greens are supporting thousands of jobs in the independent production sector, and most importantly they are ensuring that the Australian people continue to have access to great Australian stories.
"These policies reflect a great partnership with independent producers and the ABC, as demonstrated by the launch of Cleverman last week and the return of favourites like Rake, Janet King, The Doctor Black Mysteries, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and The Code among others.
"Furthermore, the restoration of Screen Australia’s funding will also flow into documentaries, children’s and feature films which all form the foundations of our vibrant industry.
“We must not take our success for granted and much work has to be done if we are to continue to succeed. There is much at stake.
"We need to see screen policy positions and frameworks from all political parties that are ambitious and deliverable in order to ensure our industry’s ongoing health and success. We look forward to see what further policies will be announced in the second half of this campaign."