TONY BURKE MP 

MINISTER FOR THE ARTS

MEMBER FOR WATSON

JOSH BURNS MP

MEMBER FOR MACNAMARA

$12.5 MILLION FOR THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest an additional $12.5 million to refurbish the home of the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), the South Melbourne Town Hall.

This election commitment will bring the Australian Government’s total investment in ANAM’s home to $25 million. In addition to funding raised through philanthropy, this further investment will allow ANAM to return home after 5 years of forced relocation.

One of Australia’s eight premier arts training organisations, ANAM was established as a central part of Paul Keating's ‘Creative Nation’ policy released in 1994. It has now grown to be one of Australia’s cultural treasures, training young musicians across the country.

ANAM first became a tenant of the Town Hall three decades ago, however, following serious structural damage over a number of years the building was declared unsafe and they were forced to leave in 2020.

The refurbishment includes upgrades to performance and hospitality facilities

• Fit for purpose modernisation of the building’s aged services and practice spaces
• Energy efficiency upgrades
• Preservation of architectural and civic building heritage

Once planning works are completed, ANAM expects to begin main works in 2026-2027, with the ANAM returning to the South Melbourne Town Hall before 2028.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Comments attributable to Member for Watson Tony Burke:

"Artists are real workers with real careers. They make a substantial cultural and economic contribution to our country. They deserve a government that backs them with world-class training organisations.

“The previous Liberal National Governments treated artists like they were hobbyists. They didn’t care about culture – they only cared about culture wars.

“This funding will ensure the long-term viability of ANAM, so they can continue to train the finest young musicians who contribute to the soundtrack of Australia.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Macnamara Josh Burns:

“Paul Keating founded ANAM, Labor strengthened it and now we are going to help build its future right here in South Melbourne. 

“One in ten people in Macnamara work in the arts and creative sector, and investing in their future and training is something that’s core to Labor values.”

Quotes attributable to Australian National Academy of Music General Manger, Nick Bailey:

“The Australian National Academy of Music is deeply grateful for the support of Josh Burns and Minister Tony Burke, for their continued belief in what ANAM does and why it matters, and for today’s commitment that a returned Albanese Government will contribute an additional $12.5 million to secure the South Melbourne Town Hall renewal project and bring us home.

“Together we will all build a lasting legacy for the South Melbourne community and, in securing ANAM’s future, for the musical life of Australia for decades to come.”

THURSDAY, 17 APRIL 2025