Social Security for Artists

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Social Security for Artists

NAVA has been lobbying for a number of changes to the way artists are treated under the social security system. Its “ArtStart” social security proposals to government include seeking Centrelink’s recognition that being an artist is a profession, the support of appropriately trained caseworkers to assist artists to seek relevant work opportunities, provision of specialist NEIS training and access to appropriate Work for the Dole work experience.

Prior to the last election in 2007, NAVA developed this as a set of proposals under which artists on welfare would receive the assistance of the social security regime to help them progress their professional careers. In response, in its election arts policy Labor promised a number of initiatives. Since then it has implemented its own ‘Artstart’ scheme which provides start-up assistance for graduates through an Australia Council managed grant program.
Labor also promised to develop a ‘Social Security and the Arts’ policy that harmonises current Australia Council, Centrelink and Australian Tax Office rules and determines the most equitable way to treat earnings and royalty payments for artists currently receiving welfare. 

Labor also said it would consider adding ‘participation in arts projects’ to the criteria for employment and community participation in work for the dole programs where it is likely that such participation will improve a person’s prospects of gaining employment or private income.

The new ‘Artstart’ grant scheme is much valued by emerging artists going some way towards what was proposed. NAVA continues to advocate for the rest of the initiatives to be implemented.