The federal government has launched Creative Australia, marking a shift in the country's approach to the arts. 

The new entity, described as the centrepiece of the government's cultural policy, officially supersedes and modernises the previous Australia Council of the Arts, establishing itself as the government's foremost investment and advisory body for the arts.

Adrian Collette, CEO of Creative Australia, has declared it “a bigger, bolder champion and investor in Australian arts and creativity”. 

The transformation is funded by $199 million over four years, paving the way for the establishment of four internal bodies.

Two of these bodies are already in the works: Music Australia; focused on bolstering the Australian music industry, and Creative Workplaces; aimed at combating bullying and harassment within creative sectors. 

The rollout for the remaining two entities, a First Nations-led board in July 2024 and Writers Australia in July 2025, is scheduled.

At the launch event, Collette underscored the significance of this day for the creative industry, paying tribute to those who have tirelessly advocated for the arts and the government's commitment to cultural vitality through the new national cultural policy, Revive. 

Collette emphasised the profound cultural, social, and economic value inspired by Australia's artists.

Arts minister Tony Burke praised the convergence of government-funded, philanthropic, and commercial creative sectors, uniting them under the umbrella of Creative Australia. 

Burke particularly applauded the appointment of Kate Jenkins, former sex discrimination commissioner, as the chair of the Creative Workplace Council, citing her significant role in the ‘Respect@Work’ report. 

Her leadership, he asserted, signifies a genuine commitment to fostering safe and equitable workplaces in the creative industries.

The launch event featured live performances, covering music, slam poetry, and dance.

Creative Australia's transition represents a new beginning for the Australia Council for the Arts. 

The Australian government has officially introduced Creative Australia under the Creative Australia Act 2023, replacing the Australia Council Act 2013. 

The Creative Australia Board is composed of 14 distinguished members, including Robert Morgan as Chair and Wesley Enoch as Deputy Chair. The Australia Council board, headed by Robert Morgan, governs Creative Australia.

Creative Australia has outlined key priorities, including a three-year plan for its future, transitioning Four-Year Investment grants toward an industry advisory model, increasing success rates for Four-Year Investments for Organisations, engaging with state and jurisdictional funding agencies to represent national interests, and producing a ‘State of Culture’ report every three years to evaluate the impact of creative and cultural investment.

Creative Australia's future initiatives also include the establishment of a First Nations-led board in 2024, with extensive consultations within the First Nations arts and culture sector. 

Kate Jenkins AO will lead the Creative Workplaces Council, focusing on improving workplace standards, safety, welfare, and fair pay within the arts. 

This move is in response to the ‘Raising Their Voices’ report, which examined issues of sexual harassment, bullying, and discrimination in the Australian music industry, and aligns with the objectives of the ‘Revive’ policy.

In addition to Jenkins, the Creative Workplaces Council includes notable figures such as Dr. Tony Ayres, Fiona Donovan, Ruth Hazleton, Michel Hryce, Tina Lavranos, and Bjorn Stewart.