Limelight Magazine, Jason Blake
26 March 2025

In a budget driven by pre-election positioning and cost-of-living relief, arts funding was never going to receive much attention when the 2025–26 Federal Budget was delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Tuesday night.

Only one new arts funding announcement was made: $8.6 million in new funding for 2025–26 to continue the implementation of the National Cultural Policy.

Theatre Network Australia (TNA) said it was “disappointed that the 2025–26 Federal Budget did not include more substantial investment in the arts, especially in response to critical issues the sector is dealing with.”

“TNA continues to emphasise the need for measures to support independent artists, small-to-medium arts organisations, and access to the arts and culture. Specifically, we are calling for much-needed investment to create fair pay and sustainable careers, strengthen regional touring and development, and improve children and young people’s access to the arts.”

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