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YET AGAIN, WRONG SENATOR LUNDY

In her latest rush for a headline, Senator Lundy has got things wrong - again.

Some facts:

Playing Australia is a touring program - it is about funding tours and maximising touring opportunities throughout Australia.

The latest round of Playing Australia funding will see 52 performances in regional centres, 55 performances in rural towns, and 40 performances in capital cities.

The Government has not 'decimated funding' for touring productions, as the following snapshot of funding for Playing Australia illustrates:

1992-93 (the first year of Playing Australia)-$1.9 million

1995-96 (Labor's last budget)-$3.0 million

This compares with the Coalition Government, who is funding Playing Australia at greater levels than under Labor-currently around $4 million.

If Senator Lundy does not like the current allocation, which tours would she cut?

MELBOURNE 22 October 2003

Media contact: Richard Wise Minister's Office 03 9650 7274, or 0438 204 554