Appendix G.11. Review of Australia’s Symphony and Pit Orchestras (James Strong, chair). 2005. A New Era – Orchestras Review Report Canberra: DCITA.

Appendix G.11. Review of Australia’s Symphony and Pit Orchestras (James Strong, chair). 2005. A New Era – Orchestras Review Report Canberra: DCITA.
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The last of the so-called ‘Review Cycle’ inquiries examined the state of symphony and pit orchestras, arguably the least viable of the performing arts sector. Commissioned by then Minister for the Arts and Sport, Rod Kemp, in 2004, it was mooted during the MPAI to address ‘clear financial pressures and other challenges’ facing Australian orchestras.

Chaired by James Strong, the committee examined a range of operational, marketplace, financial and governance issues facing Australian orchestras focusing on artistic vibrancy, cost effective access, financial viability and financial transparency. 20 recommendations were made including:

divesting the six symphony orchestras from the ABC and transform them into public companies limited by guarantee;
changing the employment and superannuation provisions of orchestra employees;
improving the expertise of boards and revising appointment practices;
developing a new realistic funding model;
removing the efficiency dividend;
cutting the number of players in Queensland orchestras (from 85 to 74), Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (from 75 to 56) and Tasmania Symphony Orchestra (from 47 to 38); and
inquiring into the provision of orchestral services for Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet.

The report triggered considerable heated public debate, attracting more attention than any of the other reviews. Especially contentious was the recommendation to reduce the size of certain orchestras, a change that was pilloried by cartoonists and commentators. This recommendation was quietly dropped. Generally, however, the Strong recommendations were accepted resulting in:

an extra $25.4 million over four years;
extra funding to retain orchestra sizes in Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania;
funding to transform orchestras into public companies;
funding for occupational health and safety changes;
funding to offset the efficiency dividend; and
extra funding for providing orchestral services to Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet.

Subsequent studies of the state of Australia symphony orchestras suggest that these changes have failed to achieve stability and financial well-being.

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Appendix G.10. Review of the National Museum of Australia. Its Exhibitions and Public Programs (John Carroll, chair). 2003. A Report to the Council of the National Museum of Australia. Canberra: DCITA.	Home	Appendix G.12. The Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Indigenous Art, Securing the Future: Australia’s Indigenous visual arts and craft sector (Senator Alan Eggleston, Chair) (June 2007). Canberra, The Senate.