To: Vicki Ward, Minister for Creative Industries
FUND OUR CREATIVE INSTITUTIONS: STOP ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE GOING BACKWARDS
After years of declining wage growth, workers are facing yet another real wage cut.
Arts Centre Melbourne (ACM) is Australia’s largest performing arts venue, the ACM spire is an iconic and landmark fixture in Melbourne's skyline, and the venues underneath it are the home of creativity and entertainment.
We all know that the Arts Centre Melbourne is a treasured Victorian institution that brings world-class performances and cultural experiences to millions of people each year. Its staff are responsible for its continued excellence.
But to continue delivering at that standard, it must be properly funded and resourced.
Australia's Creative Industries are facing a critical workforce and skills shortage. Stagnating wages, and a lack of career progression are seeing our most skilled workers leaving the workforce in droves.
This problem hasn’t come out of nowhere. Funding for cultural and creative agencies has been slashed across the board by the Victorian Government in recent years. Arts Centre Melbourne is no exception. Our world class institution is expected to run on fumes while continuing to produce world-class performances. ACM staff have had declining wages for several years. Real wage growth since 2022 has fallen 10% behind inflation, with some pay bands dropping below minimum award wages.
Despite this, staff have only been offered 3% in their new agreement, another wage cut in real terms, due to the state government-imposed wage cap.
Arts and culture are not luxuries. They are a core part of what makes Melbourne the world's third most liveable city. Adequate funding is essential not only to preserve the quality and accessibility of our arts sector, but also to ensure it continues to attract visitors, support jobs, strengthen communities, and contribute to the state's economy.
Continued underfunding of our Arts Institutions does not just harm workers; it harms the entire creative industry and the communities that rely on it.
Continued underfunding of our Arts Institutions does not just harm workers; it harms the entire creative industry and the communities that rely on it.
We are calling on the Minister for Creative Industries, the Hon. Vicki Ward to:
- Increase funding to Arts Centre Melbourne and give workers a real pay increase that resolves the years of real wage decline.
Why is this important?
Currently, Arts Centre Melbourne members of the CPSU Vic, MEAA and ETU are taking protected industrial action to fight for fair pay. This is the first time ACM staff have ever taken industrial action.
Industrial action is never taken lightly, but they these staff have been left with no other choice.
A fair deal is possible! The Minister can give these workers the pay they deserve and increase funding to Arts Centre Melbourne.
Arts Centre Melbourne wants to continue to deliver world-class performances and art loved by millions, and as Victoria embarks on the major Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project, it is up to the Victorian State Government to ensure that we do not have a staff and skills shortage.
Now is the time to support Arts Centre Melbourne staff and add your voice: Tell the Minister for Creative Industries you want to stop Arts Centre Melbourne from going backwards!
