Thu, 8th May 2008

Will Mr Garrett provide for the Sydney Opera House?

The Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP
Shadow Minister for Environment, Heritage, the Arts and Indigenous Affairs

Shadow Minister for Environment, Heritage, the Arts and Indigenous Affairs, Dr Sharman Stone, said next Tuesday’s Federal Budget provided a perfect opportunity for the Rudd Labor Government to resolve the problems confronting performers using Australia’s iconic Sydney Opera House.

“World Heritage Listed Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most internationally recognisable and beloved public places. However, pit-orchestras as well as on-stage performers have long suffered substandard conditions and occupational health and safety challenges as they produce world-class performances in the Opera House.

“The debate has been ranging between those who want the Sydney Opera House remodelled internally and those who see a new performing arts centre as the cheaper and better option, leaving the Opera House to smaller performances.

“The Rudd Government should now fund a comprehensive evaluation of all the options with detailed consultation and careful costing. The heritage values of the building and its location will present particular challenges, but numbers of other countries have dealt with similar dilemmas and found great solutions.

“It is self-evident that our iconic, best-loved building cannot continue to deliver world-best preforming arts experiences. Despite its slashes to Arts funding, the Rudd Labor Government should not turn its back on helping to provide the best possible future for one of the world’s great performing arts places.