Labor commits $13.4m to save Palais Theatre

Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews has promised to allocate $13.4 million to a $26.7 million restoration project for Melbourne’s Palais Theatre, should Labor win the State election next week.

His plans to put forward “a once-in-a-generation restoration,” comes after the unveiling of his plan to build an Australian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and music industry platform in a $22.2 million package.

“The Palais is the heart and soul of live music in this city. It’s stood for 87 years and we refuse to sit back, like the Liberals, and watch it fall apart,” Andrews said in a statement.

Media reports in August suggested $15 million was needed to keep the St Kilda venue’s doors open and an estimated $25 million was needed to repair it long-term. If Labor wins the State election on November 29, it will team with the theatre’s owners and the City Of Port Phillip to restore the venue over a five-year period.

The City Of Port Philip has been engaged in discussions with the State Government over the venue. On October 28, a council meeting was held where it called upon both the State Government and Opposition to commit $25 million to restore the Palais Theatre. The council itself said it would commit $7.5 million in funding if the elected government provided $25 million.

Last week Music Australia CEO Chris Bowen, Robert Walker, the Executive Officer of the Australian Music Association (AMA) and a spokesperson for the School Music Action Group announced their support of the ALP’s Musical Futures program, an initiative to bring music lessons to every Victorian school.

“Research has clearly shown that quality school music improves students results, behaviour and wellbeing, and enriches all involved,” said Bowen in a statement. “The State of Victoria will be a clear beneficiary if these new initiatives are implemented.“