The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has written to WA Premier Mark McGowan and Arts Minister David Templeman calling for a halt to any decision about the amalgamation of Western Australia cultural institutions until full consultation has taken place.

The proposed amalgamation, leaked in The Australian on Thursday 9 May, would combine the State Library of Western Australia, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum. Cost-saving and administrative efficiencies were cited as motivating factors.

ALIA CEO Sue McKerracher said, ‘We are deeply concerned that such a step could be considered by the WA Government without proper consultation with stakeholders across the cultural sector. The State Library of WA provides essential services to public libraries in the state and councils should be engaged in the discussion’. ALIA has called for publication of a PwC Australia cost-benefit analysis commissioned by the WA Government, for a period of consultation with the sector and for transparency with regards to the reviews currently underway of the State Library, Art Gallery of WA and WA Museum.

For more information see The Australian article ‘Gallery supporters voice alarm over McGowan amalgamation plan’.

About the Australian Library and Information Association

The Australian Library and Information Association is the professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector.

With 5,000 members across Australia, we provide the national voice of the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support. www.alia.org.au

Contact:  Karolina Firman, Communications Officer. karolina.firman@alia.org.au