Why Opera Australia’s AD believes culture is just as deserving as rugby and more important than submarines.

Every great civilisation is remembered for its art and because of its culture. That’s why I believe the debate about funding for our arts organisations – particularly during this election campaign – is crucial. I also think that it’s important for Opera Australia to speak up on behalf of the sector. On the campaign trail so far the Greens have come out and said they will give a couple of million dollars to the arts. The Labor Party has now said that they will restore the Catalyst funding to the Australia Council. Unfortunately, to date the LNP hasn’t said anything at all.

Some people have been critical because Opera Australia hasn’t said anything up to this point, and I must say I’ve been disappointed by the attack on us from some sections of the small to medium sector. I don’t think that does anyone any good and it’s simply not true that opera is taking all the money. In fact, Opera Australia works with a lot of small to medium companies, and I think there needs to be more money available for...