SHIPWRECK HUNTERS AUSTRALIA — FUNDING
961. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Culture and the Arts:
I refer the minister to the
recently aired Disney+ television series Shipwreck Hunters Australia
released late last month that follows the hunt for a variety of wrecks off the
coast of Western Australia, and note that its production was supported by the
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development through the royalties
for regions program.
(1) What was the government's
total financial contribution to Shipwreck Hunters Australia?
(2) Has any
additional money been committed to promote the series, either locally or
overseas; and, if so, with what level of success to date?
(3) If a second
season is commissioned, will the government consider continued support on the
grounds that the series showcases the WA coastline, its history and marine life
to wonderful effect and can only serve as a drawcard for domestic and
international tourists alike?
Hon
SAMANTHA ROWE replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following answer is provided on behalf of the
Minister for Culture and the Arts.
(1) The project
received $830 400 in funding from Screenwest comprising a documentary
development investment of $30 400, $400 000
for documentary production and $400 000 from the WA regional screen fund.
The project also received in-kind contribution at the fixed value of $253 819
from the Western Australian Museum. This
comprised participation in seven expeditions by two senior WA Museum
maritime archaeologists from 3 May 2021 to 16 February 2022. These expeditions
travelled across the state from Broome to Rottnest Island and numerous
locations in between. The in-kind contribution for this amounted to $146 886. For WA Museum staff time, script preparation,
review and editing, partnership and
contract management, financial administration and episode reviews, the in-kind
contribution amounted to $106 229.
(2) Screenwest
contributed $2 500 towards the Shipwreck Hunters Australia launch
event in Fremantle.
(3) Further
applications for funding support will be assessed against the criteria of the
relevant funding program, including tourism outcomes for the state, and would
be subject to the availability of funding.