The Art of Tax Reform

The creative industries are a cornerstone of both Australia’s cultural identity and economy – yet tax policy settings have been highlighted by the sector as a significant impediment to artists.

This conversation has gained momentum as the Australian Government approaches the halfway point of its 5-year National Cultural Policy, Revive, and looks ahead to what the focus should be for future policies.

In July 2025, the NSW Government launched a national consultation to explore how tax reform could better support artists and creatives in Australia. The Art of Tax Reform discussion paper provided a foundation for the process, offering context, reform examples and principles for targeted government support.

The consultation invited ideas from across the cultural ecosystem, including artists, creative workers, organisations and peak bodies, resulting in over 300 submissions.

A consultation report (PDF 11.56MB) captured this feedback and shaped the agenda for The Art of Tax Reform Summit, held at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday 25 September 2025.

The Art of Tax Reform Summit brought together economics and tax policy experts, arts and creative industry practitioners and organisations, donors, venue operators, government representatives and a range of other stakeholders in the arts and culture sector.

The summit covered four key themes:

1. how to support creative organisations under immense pressure from global market forces
2. recognising artists as workers
3. how to encourage more investment, including philanthropic and corporate giving
4. the impacts of changes in audience.

The summit heard from a range of sector representatives through a variety of presentations and roundtables. This included an inspiring presentation by renowned Australian comedian, actor, composer, songwriter, pianist and director Tim Minchin, who provided reflections at the close of the summit. Tim has kindly agreed for a recording of his address to be made available to the community (see video below). 

An Outcomes Report on the summit is now being prepared by the NSW Government, drawing on the range of contributions made on the day. It is intended that this report, and the conversations and submissions as part of the discussion to date, will help support development of the next National Cultural Policy by the Australian Government, due in 2028.