Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis, today welcomed the release of the report of the Senate inquiry into Australia’s Indigenous visual arts and craft sector, and announced he would be visiting Indigenous arts and craft groups in remote Australia in coming weeks.

“This Government-initiated inquiry has been an important development for Indigenous visual artists, and is an indication of the high value the Government places on this sector to Australia’s culture, identity and economy,” Senator Brandis said.

“The inquiry report is a comprehensive examination of the benefits of the sector, its current sustainability and future needs, and it will be considered carefully by the Government, with a view to further strengthening this world-renowned and dynamic industry.”

“I would like to particularly thank Senator Alan Eggleston, the chair of the Committee, for his most thorough investigation into the issue.”

Senator Brandis said he was looking forward to discussing the report personally with representatives of Indigenous arts groups, and hearing first hand their views on how the Government can work with them to strengthen the Indigenous arts sector.

The Minister said he would be visiting Indigenous arts and craft groups during a tour of Western Australia and the Northern Territory in coming weeks.

The Australian Government currently provides support to the Indigenous visual arts industry through a number of initiatives, including the National Arts and Crafts Industry Support program which provided $5.7m in 2006–07 to support the operations of Indigenous art centres around the country.

Visit www.dcita.gov.au/indig for more information on some of the initiatives.

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

20 June 2007

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