PM Transcripts

PRIME MISNIATEA
FOR PRESS 25 OCTOBER 1978
AUSTRALIAN BALLET DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Prime Minister announced today it had been decided that
contributions by the State of Victoria to the Australian
Ballet Development Fund would now qualify for matching
contributions by the Commonwealth.
When the original announcement of Commonwealth support for the
Fund was made, the Government offered to contribute up to
$ 500,000 to the Australian Ballet Development Fund on the
basis of $ 1 for each $ 1 contributed by State Governments
other than Victoria. This decision was taken as an inducement
to the other States to contribute to the Fund and because
of the substantial benefits which Victoria would derive from
having the Ballet centred in Melbourne.
Following representations on the matter, the Commonwealth has
decided to include contributions from Victoria within the
matching subsidy arrangements. This will apply if
contributions to the Fund by the other States do not total
$ 500,000. However, the maximum Commonwealth contribution
of $ 500,000 will remain unaltered.
The Prime Minister said the Government hoped the revised
funding arrangements would help ensure rapid progress in
building suitable headquarters for the Australian Ballet
and the Australian Ballet School. 000---