As most in the arts sector expected, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ announcement of the 2023 budget contained no major arts-directed initiatives beyond those released in the weeks prior to budget night.

The previously announced spending packages include $7.7b over five years for the ABC and SBS, $535 million over four years to support national institutions including the National Library, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and National Archives, and $286 million over five years for the national cultural policy, “Revive”.

Parliament House, Canberra. Photo © Marcus Reubenstein/Unsplash

“We’re bringing drive, direction and vision back to a $17 billion industry that employs more than 400,000 Australians – empowering our talented artists and organisations to thrive and grow so they can unlock new opportunities, reach new audiences and tell stories in compelling new ways,” said Minister for the Arts Tony Burke.

“Artists and creators – from classical musicians to pub rockers, from First Nations designers to the illustrators of children’s books – know they finally have a Government that values and backs them as workers, not hobbyists.”

Other arts-directed spending in the budget include: $9m towards Australia’s eight national arts training organisations (including the...