Canberra, 12 December 2019: The federal government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) 2019-2020 contains news of an additional $9.3 million to extend the Be Connected program for a further year; $404 million for projects under the Community Development Grants Programme and $50 million over two years from 2020-2021 for TAFE revitalisation, with matched contributions from states and territories.
ALIA CEO Sue McKerracher said, “Public libraries have been active partners in the Be Connected program with the Department of Social Services, Office of the eSafety Commissioner and Good Things Foundation over the last three years. It is good to see another 12 months of activity locked in.
“We will be writing to the Assistant Minister for VET in support of investment in TAFE libraries as part of the plan for revitalising TAFE campuses across Australia. TAFE libraries have suffered from years of underfunding and $100 million from federal, state and territory budgets should provide an opportunity to bring buildings back up to scratch and create new spaces.
“Public libraries, local galleries and museums could also benefit from infrastructure funding through Community Development Grants.”
For more information about the MYEFO statement see https://budget.gov.au/2019-20/content/myefo/download/MYEFO_2019-20.pdf
About the Australian Library and Information Association
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector. With 5,000 members across Australia, we provide the national voice of the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support. www.alia.org.au