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Art Shmart, it makes no difference!
Artists in any
society represent a great asset to the
whole community, and in Australia it is particularly so as the vast diversity that makes this society’s fabric is also responsible for producing that rich artistic output that we are familiar with. Governments, generally, like to appear benevolent and generous towards many intellectual and artistic entities so the populace will be duped in believing that they actually care, and hopefully, show gratitude by the way of voting it back in power. The Howard government, however, seems to go against the grain. Being one of the meanest and most tight fisted governments that came to power in Australia, with a cold heart and a sharp razor, slash and burn has been the order of the day. After so many cuts to nearly all the major aspects of spending, not sparing the sick nor the aged, they have introduced yet more laws with arcane and complex rules, that inadvertently (then again it may be well on purpose), lumped artists with other groups who take advantage of loopholes to operate tax shelters and the likes and deprived them of deductions unless they comply with the new stringent rules. While that might sound fair and reasonable for a Pitt Street farmer, it is potentially a fatal blow to any emerging or struggling artist. Add to that the new GST and the ABN and a much bleaker outlook is realised for small or part time artists. It has taken a concerted effort and a massive amount of loud protesting to water down some of this laws relating to income and deductions but the fact remains that this is still not adequate and doesn’t go far enough towards addressing the needs of most artists. There must be new specific rules created to deal with artists needs and to facilitate and reward their efforts by purposely fostering a healthier environment that encourages and
cares. But
alas, this government is as indifferent to the
concerns of artists and their needs as ever. One would think that more should be done to nourish the soul of the nation not just be a heartless mean bean counter! |