WHAT ABOUT A NATIONAL LOTTERY FOR HERITAGE AND THE ARTS?

FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson wants to start a community conversation on the viability of a national lottery for heritage and the arts.

“I’m appealing to Tasmanian people who think it’s a good idea to provide feedback,’’ Mr Hutchinson said this morning.

“Today I’ve started a discussion about the idea of a national lottery to fund special projects like the maintenance, restoration and conservation of built heritage as well as significant arts projects.’’

Mr Hutchinson said that lottery money would not replace government heritage and arts money but would be an additional funding source for special projects.

“It could pay for big projects like the restoration of Willow Court, at New Norfolk or for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra to tour somewhere it would not normally go,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.

Mr Hutchinson said that the UK had run highly successful lotteries for the arts, heritage and sport for more than 20 years.

The UK national lottery had funded the restoration of more than 17,000 historic buildings and monuments, the revitalisation of more than 700 public parks and awarded more than one hundred and twenty five million pounds to 165 projects involving more than 105 individual ships and boats since 1994.

More than ten thousand pounds has also been awarded for the presentation of more than 70 railway locomotives and trams.

“I would particularly like to see money going to heritage rail in Australia,” Mr Hutchinson said.

Mr Hutchinson said that he was sensitive to issues around problem gambling but was confident that they could be resolved.

He has in-principle support for the lottery plan from Environment Minister Greg Hunt and Arts Minister George Brandis.

“The key to this will be whether the community thinks it’s worthwhile,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.

“So I am asking that anybody interested in the idea let me know or Environment Minister Mr Hunt know so that we can take the idea further.’’

For further information or to comment, please contact Mr Hutchinson at eric.hutchinson.mp@aph.gov.au
FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson