Alan and Senator George Brandis viewing local indigenous art in Kununurra

As Chair of the Senate Arts Committee, I visited the North Kimberley along with the Minister for Arts, Senator George Brandis. The first stop on our trip took us to the set of the new Baz Luhrman film 'Australia' starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, which is located on the banks of the Ord River, north of Kununurra. During our trip we also visited various art centres in Kununurra, Turkey Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The Minister and I looked at works by local indigenous artists and were highly impressed by their talent. We also took time to discuss with local artists the issues surrounding the recent Senate inquiry into the indigenous arts and craft sector, such as dealers buying local artworks for prices that were well below their actual values. The Australian Government is now looking into the report's recommendations to ensure that in the future the industry will be properly monitored so that indigenous art is puchased in a more ethical manner.