Member for Warren-Blackwood, Terry Redman questioned the Premier as to why 2019-20 is the last year the government has guaranteed funding to support the Regional Film Fund.
The Nationals WA asked the same question last year and raised it again in Budget Estimate meetings last week.
The $16 million Royalties for Regions WA Regional Film Fund has helped attract a number of productions including Dirt Music, Breath, Red Dog:True Blue, H is for Happiness and Rams.
The fund contributes to the vibrancy of regional communities, creates jobs and encourages the national and international film industry to invest in Western Australia. This has resulted in WA being the busiest film making State for Australian film and TV production.
Mr Redman asked Premier McGowan, “Given the proven economic return of the Regional Film Fund to the State and industry, what is the justification for this funding being cut?”
Mr Redman said the Premier responded with a vague outline of the fund, however would not commit to any funding going forward.
“The best Premier McGowan offered was that it could be considered by the Expenditure Review Committee next year,” Mr Redman said.
“This does not provide any certainty for the long-term future of the film industry in regional WA. It is obvious the incentives provided through the Regional Film Fund have attracted filmmakers and contributed to highlighting our varied and amazing landscape on the international stage.”
“Screenwest, filmmakers and regional communities need certainty so this industry can prosper. It is time the McGowan Government committed Royalties for Regions funding to regional projects that add vibrancy, jobs and economic returns to our regional communities,” Mr Redman said.