Darwin Symphony Orchestra Funding Hypocrisy

Senator Trish Crossin accuses the Federal Government of total hypocrisy in its paltry funding for the Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO).

"The minister responsible, Senator Kemp, has insisted federal funds for state-based orchestras would only be paid if the states matched the federal funds on an equal basis” Senator Crossin said.

"Yet, hypocritically, in the Territory where the NT Government gives the Darwin Symphony Orchestra $210,000 a year, Senator Kemp only gives less than half this at $100,000.

"That's $110,000 a year the DSO is missing out on under Senator Kemp's own formula for federal-state matching funding.

"I have written to Senator Kemp three times in the last year asking him to match the NT Government's funding of the DSO and he hasn't acknowledged my letters or, obviously, increased the DSO's funding.

"It would seem from comments in today's NT News the Senator Kemp has duded the DSO and he has no intention of increasing DSO funds over the next four years either.

"There has been no increase in the funding recommended in The Orchestras Review 2005 released over a year ago by Senator Kemp's department.

"I urge Senator Kemp to match the contribution to the DSO by the NT Government to ensure that there is some consistency in the principles that have been applied to the funding of state orchestras.

"It would be an acknowledgment of the work of the DSO and the major role it plays in the community in the NT” Senator Crossin said.

2006-05-05