12/2/04
JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT
Senator the Hon Rod Kemp, Minister for the Arts and Sport; and
The Hon Sheila McHale MLA, Western Australian Minister for Culture and the Arts
Western Australian Minister for Culture and the Arts, Sheila McHale MLA and the Australian Government Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp announced today that a merger of WA Opera and WA Ballet would not proceed.
The proposed merger, recommended by the 1999 Nugent Inquiry, would have seen the creation of a single entity with one board of management and one Chief Executive Officer. Distinct artistic identities were to be retained, along with artistic directors, staff and programs.
Following talks over four years, the State and Australian Governments and the companies resolved that a merger could not proceed without the full and joint support of both companies.
"A merger working party chaired by David Young recommended in December 2002 a merger of the companies to provide maximum opportunity for the long-term sustainability and development of ballet and opera in Western Australia," Ms McHale said.
"The companies requested additional time to consider further analysis and in late 2003 this process concluded with an independent report - commissioned by the companies - which recommended that they combine into a single entity.
"Both the Western and Australian Governments requested that the companies take a joint decision based on the recommendations of the report. However, no joint agreement could be reached and therefore the merger cannot proceed."
Senator Kemp said: "Funding will continue as before within the current framework provided that the companies continue to meet the funding criteria required of MPAB companies. These include financial solvency and stability, and evidence of a growing market."
Both Governments confirmed continuing base grant support for WA Opera and WA Ballet within the existing tripartite funding arrangements.
"I now look forward to working with the WA Ballet and WA Opera companies to ensure the best outcomes for the people of Western Australia and the artforms," Ms McHale said.
Media contacts:
Stacey Molloy, Minister's McHale's office: 089213 6900
Richard Wise, Minister Kemp's office: 026277 7350
