NSW Parliamentary Inquiry on Arts and Music Education Opens the Way
The NSW Parliament’s motion to establish a Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education and Training is welcome news, writes our project lead and public policy expert, Eric Sidoti.
There is a refreshingly opened door for delivering quality, sequential and ongoing music education here in NSW.
Prior to the March 2023 election, NSW Labor unequivocally committed itself to progressing the long-term goal of quality, sequential and ongoing music education in NSW schools.
It was backed by two initial steps: a parliamentary inquiry focused on delivering quality music education; and a funding contribution of up to $50,000 towards a survey of NSW primary teachers, developed by the Australian Council of Education Research (ACER), to collect and analyse baseline data covering access to quality music education including its provision in government primary schools.
And now it’s happening.
On 4 June, the NSW Parliament backed the Labor Government’s motion to establish a Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education and Training. This represents a potential breakthrough for better, smarter, more creative, and more fulfilling education for NSW school students.
We are also hopeful that the greenlight will very soon be given to get moving on the ACER survey as a cooperative endeavour between the NSW Department of Education, NSW Teachers Federation and Music Education: Right from the Start.
Here at Alberts, and across the Music Education: Right from the Start initiative, we are heartened not only by the Government’s commitment to this inquiry, but by the support across the whole of the Parliament for quality music education. We are particularly encouraged that this inquiry is not about making the arguments for music education, yet again, but focuses on examining what is needed to ensure its delivery in NSW schools.
It strikes us that the strength of this support is such that what was originally mooted to be an inquiry in the Legislative Council alone, has been backed by all parties and both chambers as a Joint Select Committee.
If the debate in the Legislative Council (15 May) is any indication, this support is recognition among legislators of the importance of quality music education with more than a hint of personal passion.
In introducing the motion, The Hon. Emily Suvaal, made the case very neatly:
“Every child and adult has the right to education and to opportunities that ensure full and harmonious development and engagement in cultural and artistic life. It is critical that arts and music education opportunities are available to every child, regardless of their age, their geographic location or their social and economic status,” she said.
”We must find ways to participate in creative activities, not just as an investment in personal and professional development but as an investment in the future of our State.”
In speaking on behalf of the Coalition, The Hon. Jacqui Munro said, “…Creative pursuits and music are at the heart of being human. Certainly I have benefited greatly from music education. I am a saxophone player; I love my jazz. If I may indulge the House, my first experience of music education at school was learning the recorder in primary school—a functional instrument to give out easily and cheaply to hundreds and thousands of students across the State.”
Her Liberal Party colleague and Shadow Minister, The Hon. Aileen MacDonald’s contribution resonated with us: “Arts and music education and training are vital for the holistic development of young people in New South Wales,” said Ms MacDonald.
”They not only enhance cognitive and emotional capabilities, but also foster essential social skills, cultural awareness and economic opportunities. Investing in these areas helps create well-rounded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society, which is a good reason to support the establishment of this joint select committee.”
This inquiry is a significant step in progressing the NSW Government’s election commitment to quality, sequential and ongoing music education, aligning with the the mission of Music Education: Right from the Start.
Labor’s The Hon. Anthony D’Adam drew attention to current inequities and curricula shortcomings in highlighting the need for this inquiry. “I am enthusiastic about this inquiry because I see the question of arts and music education as an issue of class inequality. The sad fact is that opportunities and access to music and arts education are not evenly spread across our society.”
He added a note of caution: “The arts and music are inherently good things. Music is beautiful and part of a fulfilling and enjoyable life, and art is an opportunity for people to be challenged and to think broadly about ideas without necessarily having a nexus to the economic.”
The debate drew other contributions in support, including from Shadow Education Minister, The Hon. Sarah Mitchell, who ventured that, “This will be a great inquiry and I look forward to seeing the work it does.”
The nine-member committee will commence work soon and is scheduled to report back to the Parliament by 29 November this year.
While we might anticipate there may be some robust debate ahead, these common foundations are promising. It is to be hoped that supporters of quality, sequential and ongoing music education will be actively engaged in the inquiry, including through their own submissions.
Ministers Pru Car and John Graham are to be congratulated for their efforts to date in honouring those election commitments.
It is fitting then to leave Arts Minister, John Graham, with the final word:
“I do regard this as a shared agenda that members of Parliament and this Chamber have built together. One of things that started it was the parliamentary inquiry into the music and arts economy. It was supported across the Parliament. It really built a lot of the agenda that is now being implemented,” he said.
”But one of the items of unfinished business in its report—and it was a very extensive report—was music education. It skated over that and did not look at it in detail. Looking back, that was probably the missing pillar of the report. This work will finish it off. I see it as significant.”
