Review of statutory authorities in the culture and arts portfolio

16/12/02
Cabinet has approved the retention of the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Library Board of WA and the Western Australian Museum as statutory authorities and has approved the establishment of the ScreenWest board as a statutory authority, following a review of the agencies in the culture and arts portfolio.
The assets and undertakings of the ScreenWest board, which is currently an incorporated association, will transfer to the new authority.
The status of the Perth Theatre Trust is still under consideration.
Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said the decisions resulted from the Machinery of Government report recommending reviews of boards, committees and statutory authorities across Government.
The review was aimed at establishing whether it was appropriate for the functions of the statutory authorities to be performed by a department of State.
"The artistic and cultural assets and decisions will remain vested in the Art Gallery of WA, the Library Board of WA and the WA Museum," Ms McHale said.
"This is an important outcome for these agencies and provides them with a clear direction and mandate that they have not had since the proposed changes to legislation were raised back in 1997."
Legislation of each statutory authority will be amended to incorporate accountability recommendations arising from the Burt Commission on Accountability.
The amendments will include the relevant Minister being provided with the legislative authority to direct the board of a statutory authority in relation to the general policies of Government and to have access to information on the decisions made by a board.
The ministerial authority will not extend to custodial matters, including the presentation of artistic and cultural assets, acquisition, disposal, preservation and research.
Minister's office: 9213 6900