WESTERN AUSTRALIAN
MUSEUM, ART GALLERY AND STATE LIBRARY — AMALGAMATION
582. Hon TIM CLIFFORD to the Leader of the House representing the
Minister for Culture and the Arts:
I refer to the article in The
Australian of 9 May 2019, ''Gallery supporters voice alarm over
McGowan amalgamation plan'', regarding plans to amalgamate the Art
Gallery of Western Australia, the WA Museum and the State Library of Western Australia.
(1) Is the state
government considering amalgamating the Art Gallery of Western Australia, WA
Museum and the State Library of Western Australia, or parts of these cultural
institutions?
(2) What are the
objectives of such a move?
(3) What are the possible
implications to the arts community and the general public?
(4) Will there be stakeholder
consultation?
(5) Will a risk
analysis be undertaken; and, if a risk analysis has been completed, will the
minister please table it?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) I am advised
that the current examination relates to governance opportunities for the three
cultural institutions. This is in relation to how to structure the Art Gallery
of Western Australia, the State Library of Western Australia and the WA Museum
to ensure the best outcomes for the investment of taxpayer dollars and that
these cultural institutions have modern legislation that is fit for purpose.
(2)–(3) The government's reform program is about
ensuring that all government agencies are strong and sustainable so they can
deliver a full range of services to the community, including to the people
living in regional and remote areas of our vast state. With the opening of the
new Museum in 2020 and the proposed major rooftop development at the Art
Gallery, drawing people to an active, vibrant Perth Cultural Centre space—to
the Art Gallery of Western Australia, State Library of Western Australia and
the WA Museum, and to nearby cafes and restaurants—is a key
outcome being sought by the government as part of this reform.
(4) Yes.
(5) Yes. A risk analysis will form
part of the stakeholder consultation.