Commenting on the story: Premier rejects ‘outrageous’ claim that govt cares more about sport than arts

The Premier’s own comments identify the problem. The Arts are not just festivals. Arts festivals are one element, but only one. The strength of the state’s reputation as a leader in the performing arts can only be as strong as the local arts community.

As a previous chair of the State Opera Company and the State Theatre Company I can say that funding from both State and Federal governments has declined drastically in real terms. As costs have continued to increase, the purchasing power of that funding is worth less and less every year.

One of the biggest costs is also one that has risen the most – hiring a venue. In 2014 State Opera paid $25,000 per performance for the Festival Theatre. In 2022 it paid $50,000 per performance for Her Majesty’s Theatre. Government funding in 2014 was $3 million. In 2024, it was… $3 million.

Government funding for performing arts companies provides the foundation upon which a strong and resilient sector can be built. Without it there is no sponsorship or philanthropic funding which is the “cream on top” that allows companies to develop new work and new audiences. – John Irving

Of course he would. But look at where he spends his public time, and our money. – Michael Whitrow

The expert panel review of the Planning Code Recommendation 12 recommends transferring all local heritage places from under the PDI Act to the Heritage Places Act “this aligning State and local heritage listing processes”. The expert panel review has only just been released after sitting on Minister Champion’s desk for a year.

So far, the government has done nothing to implement this recommendation which would be a game changer for heritage places like the Crown and Anchor, which should be assessed for development by heritage experts rather than planning professionals.

The panel received “substantial, near universal, support in favour of this proposition” for Recommendation 12 and yet nothing is done.

Where does the Premier think this “culture” happens? It happens in places like the Cranker, places the government clearly doesn’t care about taking the necessary steps to preserve. – Johnny Siegel

Commenting on the story: Calls for Adelaide Airport rail link in new infrastructure strategy

I’m all for better public transport but the first thing to do is check demand.

Who would use a rail connection between the airport and presumably hotels on Vic Square? Put aside fanciful ideas to justify it by reusing the South Rd tunnel boring machine.

Stand outside a few CBD hotels with a clipboard or ask the taxi industry to find out who is going where and when. Run a free bus over the route for a few weeks and see how many use it. – Alan Strickland

Commenting on the story: Call for return of EV subsidy amid SA record car sales

I bought a new electric vehicle six months ago, and received the state government’s $3000, thanks very much.

But I noticed recently that the government subsidy has been removed and, by sheer coincidence (?) the price of the model I bought has dropped about $3000.

I can’t help feeling that government subsidies are seen by the industry as a gift to them. A bit like the first home buyers schemes which seem to drive house prices up.

The real answer is for governments to subsidise and actually set up the required charging infrastructure, and to increase subsidy/assistance for home batteries and solar panels so that charging of EVs can be done economically at any hour without causing load peaks on the grid. – David Inkster