This is not the GST, but an additional law with an impact even more devastating for the whole arts community. The legislation is aimed at closing a tax loophole against high earners such as rich hobby farmers, but it will have a catastrophic effect on most writers, who are often forced to subsidise their writing with other work, especially early in their careers. Without this extra non-writing income a huge number of new and developing authors will be forced to abandon their writing or illustrating careers. A very similar model to this would do for individual cultural producers, like writers, who must often work part-time to make it through the early years. We need to lobby for recognition that the work of an author is 'a declared business activity' and to seek similar exemptions as those secured by primary producers.
Cultural production is as important to the future well-being of Australia as primary production.
Picture books are universally acknowledged to be of prime importance in the acquisition of reading and literacy skills. They impart a love of and intimacy with narrative at an early age, which is crucial in developing the next generation of writers and readers. As such, the Literature Fund's decision is shortsighted and counterproductive. It is ironic that the Fund should turn its back on picture book illustrators at this time. The Fund often claims that it is in the business of funding excellence in Australian literature.