Local Government expenditure by state and territory

In 2011-12, local government contributed $1,342.3m (19%) to the estimate of total government expenditure on cultural activities. Expenditure levels on cultural activities generally reflect the size of the population, with the highly populated states spending more on cultural activities. In 2011-12, the estimate of expenditure by local government authorities on cultural activities in New South Wales was $421.8m, in Victoria $372.8m and $240.0m in Queensland. The combined expenditure of these states on cultural activities represented 77% of total local government expenditure on cultural activities.

Note, the Australian Capital Territory does not have a local government and as such is not discussed here. Local government functions are instead carried out by the Australian Capital Territory Government whose cultural funding expenditure is discussed in Chapter 11.


EXPENDITURE PER PERSON

In 2011-12, the estimate of the expenditure by local government on cultural activities was $59.60 per person, up 5% from 2010-11. In 2011-12, South Australia had the highest per person expenditure at $81.30 followed by Victoria with $66.80 and Western Australia with $63.60. In 2011-12 South Australia had the largest increase (21%) from 2010-11, followed by the Northern Territory (15%).

Refer to paragraphs 14 and 15 of the Explanatory notes for information regarding the population estimates used in the calculation of per person expenditure.

RECURRENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

In 2011-12, 85% of the estimate of total local government expenditure on cultural activities was for recurrent expenses. This was a 3% increase on the estimated value of recurrent expenditure in 2010-11. New South Wales had the largest amount of recurrent expenditure at $363.8m, followed by Victoria ($294.2m) and Queensland ($205.2m).

The estimate of capital expenditure by local government in 2011-12 was $204.8m. This was an increase of 31% from 2010-11. Victoria had the largest amount of capital expenditure at $78.6m, followed by New South Wales ($58.0m) and Queensland ($34.8m).

Local government expenditure estimates are obtained from state and territory Local Government Grants Commission's data, or equivalent. For 2011-12, figures were sourced at the 'total' level for Local governments in Australia. This is less detail that in previous years, where figures were provided for a number of arts and culture categories.

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