Total government funding for cultural activities in 2001-02 was $4,676.8m. The Commonwealth Government contributed $1,619.6m (35%) to cultural funding while state and territory governments contributed $2,215.2m (47%) and local governments provided $841.9m (18%).

In 2001-02, funding of almost $1 billion ($988.9m or 21% of total cultural funding) was allocated to the category of Broadcasting and film by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments. The other major recipients of Commonwealth and state and territory government funding were Other museums (which consists of museums other than art museums) ($493.7m); Nature parks and reserves ($977.4m); and Libraries and archives ($466.7m).

Changes over time

Compared with the previous year (2000-01), total government funding increased by $238.8m (5%) in 2001-02. Total cultural funding from the Commonwealth Government and local governments fell by 2% and 4% respectively, while the state and territory governments' contribution increased by 16%. By comparison, from 1999-2000 to 2001-02 there was an overall increase in government funding of $376.8m (9%) with increases reported for all levels of government.