Inquiry Terms of Reference

Inquiry into museums and galleries.

1. That General Purpose Standing Committee No. 4 inquire into and report on the performance or effectiveness of the NSW Government agencies responsible for the organisation, structure and funding of museums and galleries in New South Wales, and in particular:

a) NSW government policy, funding and support for museums and galleries, museum and gallery buildings and heritage collections, including volunteer managed museums and museums managed by councils

b) potential funding impacts on museums and galleries affected by council amalgamations

c) opportunities to revitalise the structure, reach, and impact of museums and galleries, and their research and collecting priorities

d) access to the collections of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, the Australian Museum and any other state collections held in trust for the people of New South Wales, and programs that promote physical and online access

e) the sale of the Powerhouse Museum site in Ultimo and its proposed move to Parramatta, and whether there are alternative strategies to support museum development

f) the development and transparency of advice to the government on priorities for NSW museums and galleries

g) the impact of the efficiency dividend on the budgets of museums and galleries over the last 10 years, and funding levels compared to other states

h) the economic impact of museums and galleries on cultural tourism, and their role in supporting the visitor economy in Sydney and regional New South Wales

i) any other related matter.

2. That the committee report by 24 November 2016

Committee membership 

• Hon Robert Borsak MLC The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party Chair 
• Mr David Shoebridge MLC The Greens Deputy Chair 
• Hon David Clarke MLC Liberal Party
• Hon Shayne Mallard MLC Liberal Party 
• Hon Shaoquett Moselmane MLC Australian Labor Party .
• Hon Bronnie Taylor MLC The Nationals 
• Hon Lynda Voltz MLC Australian Labor Party