Total government funding for cultural activities reached $5 billion in 2003-04 ($5,000.7m). At the federal level, the Australian Government contributed $1,699.4m (34%) to cultural funding while state and territory governments contributed $2,356.2m (47%). Local governments provided $945.1m (19%).

Funding of over $1 billion ($1,075.8m or 22% of total cultural funding) was allocated to the category of Broadcasting and film by the Australian Government and state and territory governments. The other major recipients of federal and state and territory government funding were Nature parks and reserves ($1,051.8m or 21% of total cultural funding); Other museums (which consists of museums other than art museums) ($527.2m) and Libraries and archives ($473.1m).

Changes over time

Between 2002-03 and 2003-04, the Australian Government contribution to cultural funding increased by 2% ($28.9m) while the state and territory government contribution rose by 3% ($60.6m). Over the previous period (2001-02 to 2002-03) there was an overall increase in government funding of $320.4m (7%) with increases reported for all levels of government (federal, state and territory, and local).