LPA Sets Out Election Policy Priorities

In the midst of a federal election campaign dominated by the rising cost of living, Australia’s live arts and entertainment peak body is urging candidates not to overlook a vibrant sector that resonates across all demographics. Live Performance Australia (LPA) has called for clear policy commitments that will harness the power of creative industries—particularly in supporting economic growth, cultural enrichment, and social well-being.

According to LPA, more Australians attend live performances than all major sporting codes combined. The figures are impressive:

• More than two-thirds of Australians attend live events;

• Over 30.1 million ticketed attendances were recorded at live performances last year;

• And 97 per cent of Australians engage with the arts in some form.

The creative and cultural industries altogether contribute around $64 billion to the national economy, accounting for about 2.5 per cent of GDP—a figure comparable to Australia’s agriculture, forestry, and accommodation sectors.

We recognise that cost of living pressures and global uncertainties weigh heavily on any incoming government, says Eric Lassen, Chief Executive of LPA. But it’s important to acknowledge that investing in live arts and entertainment produces incredible returns: generating jobs, strengthening local economies, boosting social wellness, and sharing Australian creativity worldwide.

Despite a post-pandemic resurgence in audience numbers, the sector is grappling with significant challenges. These include spiralling production and touring costs, workforce shortages, shifting audience habits, and a squeeze on discretionary spending as households tighten their belts.

There’s no room for complacency, Lassen emphasises. We need to keep nurturing the future of Australian creative talent. That requires thoughtful policy settings and strategic investments that unlock the full cultural and economic potential of our live arts and entertainment industry.

LPA has outlined several policy priorities for the 2025 election:

• 40% Live Theatre Production Incentive: Modelled on schemes that already exist for the Australian screen sector and in leading theatrical markets like the UK and US, this incentive would encourage both commercial and not-for-profit theatre producers to invest in Australian productions.

• Australian Live Music Strategy: Working closely with industry to create more stages for homegrown musicians, giving emerging artists pathways to build their careers and connecting audiences with a greater array of local live music and festivals.

• Strengthening Creative Australia: Ensuring the government’s lead arts funding body can effectively champion the performing arts through industry-specific programs.

• Business Innovation and Sustainability Fund: Accelerating new business models for performing arts organisations, enhancing their financial stability in a volatile post-pandemic environment.

• Reserves Rebuild Fund: Supporting organisations in restoring the financial safety nets they exhausted during the pandemic, thus safeguarding critical employment for creative workers.

• Extending Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) Status: Broadening eligibility so more arts and cultural organisations can attract skilled staff and promote private philanthropy through Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) benefits.

• National Skills and Training Initiatives: Targeting labour shortages across the arts and cultural spectrum with industry-led training programs.

• Expanding Live Performance Access for Young People: From piloting a ‘See It Live’ cultural pass to boosting arts education in schools, LPA seeks to inspire and cultivate future generations of enthusiastic theatregoers.

• Regional Engagement: Doubling funds for Playing Australia to bring more performances to regional communities, plus launching an export development program for international touring.

• Venue Renewal: Upgrading performing arts infrastructure nationwide, with special focus on improving access and facilities in regional venues.

• Local Programming Fund: Helping local presenters and producers offer community-relevant cultural events that reflect and celebrate diverse local identities.

We look forward to working alongside the incoming government to keep Australia’s live arts and entertainment industry booming, Lassen says. Our sector is built by Australians, for Australians—and it’s a powerhouse that we’re proud to share with the world.

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