News Articles from the MEAA

The Alliance has welcomed the recent announcement by the Minister for the Arts Peter Garrett about the creation of the ArtStart program, which will offer one-off grants to help graduates start a business as professional artists. The $9.6m program, to be administered by the Australia Council, is being designed for musicians, visual artists, filmmakers and actors. The first grant round will be advertised in late 2009.

Negotiations continue for a new collective agreement to cover all non-SES staff at Screen Australia. The Alliance met with Screen Australia last week and we will hold a report back meeting for all members on Wednesday May 27, 1pm in the theatrette. For further information please contact Genevieve Derwent on 02 9333 0951 or genevieve.derwent@alliance.org.au
 

Equity met with the federal attorney-general last week to discuss the delay in finalising the negotiation of an international copyright treaty to protect the work of Australian performers. We have called on the Government to introduce legislation if the treaty, which has been in discussion for three years, is not implemented in the near future. Our discussions with the attorney-general continue.