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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 582 asked in the Legislative Council on 6 June 2019 by Hon Tim Clifford

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

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.