26 February 2026
A living wage for artists, reforms to safeguard the independence of arts organisations and a plan to complete the Tarrkarri cultural centre are part of a suite of arts initiatives unveiled by the SA Greens today.
Key measures in the policy include:
- A two-year pilot program to provide 100 eligible artists with a living wage. The program would pay $51,000 per year, equivalent to the minimum wage for a hospitality worker and includes entitlements.
- Doubling the live music fund and ensuring that at least 25% of the fund is for regional live music.
- Finalising the feasibility study to construct a world-class live music performance venue and seek a collaborative funding arrangement for it with the Federal Government.
- Ensuring that the money budgeted for Tarrkarri is spent on completing this project
- Strengthening the independence of our arts sector to ensure that State Governments cannot intervene in programming decisions, including amending the law to make it a requirement to have artists serving on the Adelaide Festival Board.
- Funding arts teachers at every state school.
The Greens estimate that the plan could cost approximately $343 million.
Quotes attributable to Robert Simms MLC
“Back in the 70s under Don Dunstan, South Australia became a national hub for arts and culture. While Peter Malinauskas loves his sport, he hasn't shown the same passion and interest in the arts.
“The Greens' plan would build SA's reputation as a leader in the arts. A living wage for artists would ensure talented emerging artists remain here in Adelaide."
"The Government also needs to fast track the Tarrkarri cultural centre. It's appalling that this site has been left to languish as a dust pit under Labor. Where's the commitment to get this back on track?"
"The Writer's Week saga demonstrates that our arts institutions are vulnerable to political interference. The Greens want legislative reform to ensure their independence is safeguarded and that artists have a seat on the Adelaide Festival Board." ‘
Quotes attributable to Lead Upper House Candidate Melanie Selwood
“It’s time to re-establish South Australia as a world-leader in the arts. Our festivals and arts events bring a huge economic boost to our state. A vibrant community needs the arts. We were once known as the Festival state, but we’re at risk of losing our cultural identity if we don’t invest accordingly. As someone who has worked as an arts manager, I have seen first-hand the decline of government support result in a hollowing out of the sector.”
“Many schools are lacking arts education. Our commitment to an arts teacher in every school will ensure our kids have well rounded learning that brings culture and artistic expression into the mainstream.”