Act II for culture under Chairman Rudd

This was in Crikey today in the 'tips and rumours section':

Among the cuts announced yesterday: Tanner announced that he had cut the $100,000 grant to Chamber Music Australia. A great irony as CMA had not been informed that it had been given it let alone informed that it was being cut. A significant saving, of course, particularly in light of the insignificant amounts of money allocated to chamber music in Australia. Perhaps when Terry Moran arrives in Canberra somebody with some clout in the Rudd Government might understand the arts.

And not a day too soon. Moran, who arrives after being the big honcho of the Victorian public service proudly states on his La Trobe University alumni biography that "fortunately his Arts responsibilities and personal interests overlap. 'The access to this vibrant part of Victorian life is the fun part of the job.' [he said]"

Even Chairman Rudd acknowledges Moran's role in the arts stating in his announcement that "Mr Moran has led the development of a range of significant Arts initiatives in Victoria. He is committed to the central importance of a strong, innovative and diverse cultural sector to Australian life."

I know it has been just under three months, but with Moran's arrival we will hopefully get some type of sense and direction (not to mention some answers) from Canberra on cultural policy.