First Nations Media Australia broadly welcomes initiatives in last week’s Federal Budget that may provide scope for sector development.
CEO Catherine Liddle said while there is no additional funding for the First Nations media sector, FNMA is examining the details of some of the new programs to determine any opportunities.
“As an example, the new JobMaker Digital Business Plan, which includes funding provision for modernising digital infrastructure and support for small businesses, may have potential for crossover to our sector particularly in relation to shared infrastructure.
“But in reality this Budget is a missed opportunity to really develop the First Nations media sector and drive economic development, jobs, cultural preservation and self-determination.
“It’s very disappointing to note that while $48.7 million allocated for the Public Interest News Gathering program is being used to support commercial media, there is no support for First Nations or community broadcasters in this Budget who have also been significantly impacted by the changing media landscape and COVID-19.
“We know that this Budget is focussed on steering Australia through the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, yet it does not provide support to the community-controlled media organisations who kept communities safe by communicating essential information quickly and effectively, and in consideration of culturally engaging delivery.
“First Nations media organisations have carried out these communication services while their own businesses have been impacted by the pandemic. Yet rather than providing support for their work and their contribution to media diversity in Australia, this Budget prioritises compensation for commercial print media with public funds.
“FNMA made a pre Budget submission to Treasury requesting a funding commitment to support our sector's 9 Calls for Action.
“Although this was not supported at this time, we will continue our leadership activities on behalf of the sector, calling for increased support for the essential work First Nations media organisations are undertaking across the country.
“The work First Nations media has done in circulating important health and safety messages during this pandemic has underlined just how vital our sector is to Closing the Gap.
“FNMA is a member of the Coalition of Peaks that recently signed a new National Agreement with all Governments to change the way we work together to reduce the disparities in social and economic outcomes for First Nations people.
“We acknowledge the funding going to the Productivity Commission that will establish a database to track progress under the Agreement, but it’s disappointing to note there are no additional resources committed to Closing the Gap in this Budget.
“While the Government will provide $46.5 million over four years to support Priority Reform Two of the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the cost of this will be met from within the existing resources of the National Indigenous Australians Agency. We hope this reprioritisation of funding will not result in cuts to other areas or services.
“Prime Minister Morrison’s signing of the new Closing the Gap Agreement two months ago was a welcome step, but few resources are being provided to make it happen.
“The National Agreement commits governments to provide more mainstream funding through the community controlled sectors to ensure our people benefit.
“We call on the Australian Government to support and partner with us to help fully realise the potential of our sector, to work with us to achieve equity for First Nations people.”
