February 2025

The national Ausdance network has made a landmark submission for dance to the National Office for Child Safety in response to its Child Safety Annual Reporting Framework consultation paper.

It is not possible to overstate the urgency expressed by Ausdance members to comprehensively address the issue of child safety. The overwhelming response of the dance sector – following substantial consultation over more than four years – is that it should be better regulated so the safety of children in organisations is improved.

The national Ausdance network has championed ‘Safe Dance’ since 1990. Currently, improving safety in dance environments, particularly for children, is a key priority for the network.

The National Office for Child Safety’s proposed child safety annual reporting framework aims to encourage and support organisations through capability building to implement good practice child safety policies and processes to embed cultures that prioritise the best interests of all children.

December 2024

The national and state/territory peak bodies for dance, Ausdance National and the federated Ausdance network, welcome the opportunity to make a pre-budget submission on behalf of hundreds of thousands of practising dancers, students, choreographers, teachers and small business owners.

In Australia, 573,726 adults and 387,617 children participate regularly in dance activities. According to Fitness Australia, dance is the third most popular form of recreational activity. It is a part of everyday Australians’ lives, and the diversity and impact of its sectors and industry practice needs recognition in all new arts policies.

The 2025 federal budget should aim to recognise the social, economic, health/well-being, and cultural value of the arts in Australia, i.e. the arts in society as opposed to ‘arts’ as entertainment. The budget should respond to the evidence of the lifelong impact, influence and outcomes of dance participation, businesses, communities, organisations, health and education.