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%).

Annual report of the Commonwealth of Australia communications and broadcasting regulatory authority: the Australian Broadcasting Authority

Australians are currently served by two public broadcasting networks. While both the ABC and the SBS have charters that require them to broadcast programs that, in the case of the ABC, “reflect the cultural diversity of the Australian community”, and, in the case of SBS, “contribute to meeting the communications needs of Australia’s multicultural society...

Total government funding for cultural activities in 2002-03 was $4,933.1m. The Commonwealth Government contributed $1,670.5m (34%) to cultural funding while state and territory governments contributed $2,238.1m (45%) and local governments provided $1,024.5m (21%).

This report on the film, animation, special effects and electronic games industries considers the need for Australian films to generate more audience appeal, the benefits of developing and exploiting intellectual property rather than relying on fee-for-service work and some of these industries’ future opportunities.