Submissions

DFAT has launched the first Soft Power Review to consider ways to better leverage Australia's soft power assets and build effective partnerships to advance Australia's security and prosperity. AMPAG’s submission to the Review, summarised here, outlines the vital role that cultural diplomacy, including diplomacy through the performing arts, has in advancing Australia’s soft power.

AMPAG’s submission to the parliamentary inquiry into the Australian music industry, summarised here, recommends a number of steps to secure the growth and sustainability of the classic music sector.

Identifying ways to better leverage Australia's soft power assets and build effective partnerships to advance Australia's security and prosperity.

Submission: Tackling the Black Economy – Designing a modern Australian Business Number system consultation paper 20 July 2018

AMPAG has considered the government's proposed amendments to the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Bill 2017 (the Bill) and the extent to which they address our concerns.

AMPAG’s response to the Australian Government discussion paper, Re:think—Better tax system, better Australia

AMPAG is concerned about the negative effects that the draft Electoral Legislation Amendment Bill and the draft Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Bill will have on the arts, should they go ahead as they stand.

AMPAG is strongly opposed to any attempt by government to impact arts-based expression negatively within this ELECTORAL LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (ELECTORAL FUNDING AND DISCLOSURE REFORM) BILL.

AMPAG argues the Digital Economic Strategy should move from a STEM to STEAM approach.

AMPAG provides evidence to support its argument that job codes for dancers, Artistic Directors, Arts Administrators and Music Directors should be moved from the short to the to the medium-to-long term skilled migrant list.

AMPAG submits evidence in support of Introducing a STEAM-oriented ecurriculum backed up by rigorous professional development for arts teachers and a supportive organisational framework.

AMPAG submits that a consideration of ‘best practice approaches’ to regional development must take into account the invaluable contribution the arts can make, both socially and economically.

The Australia Major Performing Arts Group, AMPAG understands the purpose of the inquiry is to; ‘devise an analytical framework for assessing the scope for economic and social development in regions which share similar economic characteristics, including dependency on interrelationships between regions.’

AMPAG submits that measuring characteristics of arts and cultural making and engagement across regional communities will provide valuable insight into factors impacting communities’ social and economic resilience and adaptability.

AMPAG has prepared this response to the Treasury discussion paper on possible reforms relating to Tax Deductible Gift Recipients (DGR) through consultation with its members.

AMPAG business case to add and retain certain occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and to amend specified visa conditions.

AMPAG’s submission aims to highlight the benefits that flow from the interconnectedness of stage and screen. This relationship strengthens creative inputs – the acting, storytelling and behind-the-scenes talent that underpin both sectors.

A coordinated strategic approach that includes effective planning and resourcing is required to take full advantage of what the arts can offer in an international context, and Australia’s major performing arts companies are pleased to be able to contribute to the development of this white paper as a step towards realising this vision.

AMPAG's inquiry into matters that ensure Australia’s tertiary education system—including universities and public and private providers of vocational education and training—can meet the needs of a future labour force focused on innovation and creativity.

AMPAG is concerned that the proposed remedy to cut the rorting of government support for vocational training will have a very significant negative impact on access to quality industry focused performing arts training.

The following information is provided as an additional resource highlighting a selection of projects and programs major preforming arts companies are involved in that facilitate people with disabilities to access and or to participate in the arts.

AMPAG supports all but one of the changes proposed by the government to the guidelines that govern public and private ancillary funds.

This review seeks to understand the importance of cultural engagement for regional and remote communities.

AMPAG has provided a response to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee on the Impact of the 2014 and 2015 Commonwealth Budget decisions on the Arts, outlining the affect the National Program for Excellence in the Arts is likely to have on the whole sector and the major performing arts companies in particular.

AMPAG submission to the Senate inquiry can be downloaded here

This page contains the federal government discussion paper on the Review of the 420 entertainment Visa and AMPAG's response.

AMPAG has responded to previous reviews and consultation papers on the formation of the ACNC and the not-for-profit sector during 2011–2013.

After participating fully in the not-for-profit reform over the past few years, AMPAG asks in this submission, how the repeal of the ACNC will reduce red tape for NFPs.

AMPAG is keen to work with the government to strengthen the not-for-profit sector with
particular focus on the Arts.

One in every five Australian school children is reached by major performing arts company education programs each year. The companies work closely with schools and communities to develop the content.

AMPAG's mission is to extend and complement the learning and teaching of performing arts in all schools. By sharing the extensive skills and expertise at our disposal, we are uniquely placed to inspire and enrich the teaching and learning of the arts curriculum.

In this submission AMPAG highlights the valuable role of arts in maximising student education and social outcomes more broadly.

AMPAG supports in general terms the restructure of the governing board of the Australia Council to ensure it has the appropriate business and governance skills to manage risk.

The vibrancy, professionalism and innovation displayed by Australia’s major performing arts organisations have done much to enhance Australia’s reputation in international markets and have paved the way for our cultural diplomacy.

The Regulatory impact assessment of potential duplication of governance and reporting standards for charities (RIA) addressed possible duplication of reporting for charities registered under state and territory legislation.

All of AMPAG's companies raise philanthropic funds which must be reported in the states
where they are raised. Some of our ‘national’ companies raise funds in several states
to support their national touring and educational activities.

AMPAG explained the complexity of our members’ financial reporting and queried how the ‘report once, use often’ scenario would work for them.

We fully support the role and objectives of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits
Commission. We would especially emphasise the importance of the objective to
streamline reporting among levels of government and different agencies.

​AMPAG's submission to the Treasury discussion paper, 'Fairer, simpler and more effective tax concessions for the not-for-profit sector', December 2012

Tax Laws Amendment (Special Conditions for Not-for-profit
Concessions) Bill 2012

AMPAG expressed the view in its submission to the previous draft legislation that the definition of entitlement to register with the newly formed ACNC should align with the definition of charity.

AMPAG's submission to the House of Reps Standing Committee inquiry into the recently circulated ACNC Exposure Draft Bills

AMPAG supports the overall purpose of the ‘in Australia’ special conditions for income
tax exempt entities, as expressed in the Explanatory Memorandum.

​AMPAG submission on ‘In Australia’ special conditions, May 2012. The draft legislation on the 'In Australia' principle has also been the subject of significant work by AMPAG. We had concerns that with the tightening up of the definitions unintended consequences may arise.

AMPAG submission on charity fundraising reform, April 2012, in response to the government’s discussion paper. AMPAG again expressed its concern about any increased compliance burden.

Charities are a vital part of the community’s experience, growth and inclusiveness. While the focus of many is to protect and support the vulnerable, others exist to nourish the community in other ways—through religion, through multicultural activities, and, importantly, through arts and culture.

AMPAG would like to respond to a key point in the scope of the proposed White Paper.

ACNC Implementation Design Discussion Paper
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Implementation Taskforce
The Treasury

AMPAG's response to the discussion questions raised in the ACNC Implementation Design consultation paper.

Response to the Federal Government's exposure draft of the proposed Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

AMPAG submission to the Review of not-for-profit governance arrangements, January 2012, in response to the government’s consultation paper, aiming to reduce red tape and simplify how NFPs are managed and administered.

AMPAG submission on ‘A definition of charity’, December 2011, in response to the government’s consultation paper.