Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has denied claims that council’s recent budget decisions amount to cuts to the local arts sector, telling radio listeners that no internal arts programs or staffing have been impacted.
Speaking on RPP FM’s Peninsula Talks following a heated five-hour council meeting marked by public protest and adjournments, Marsh said the changes were a response to broader financial pressures and that “the arts are not being singled out.”
“So nothing’s changed,” Marsh said.
“We haven’t changed a single dollar of internal staffing. We haven’t changed a single dollar of internal delivery of arts and culture programs. All we’ve done is we’ve removed grants that people have really questioned over the years.”
Listen to the audio here
The comments come after hundreds of artists and community members packed the public gallery at Rosebud chambers, many holding placards—including posters depicting Marsh in a red “MAGA” hat, a pointed reference to Trump-style politics. Protesters claim the funding shift reflects an increasingly authoritarian approach to local governance.
Contradictions on Staff Cuts?
However, Marsh’s assertion that staffing hasn’t changed has raised eyebrows among observers, especially in light of council’s recent adoption of a $5 million reduction in employee costs under the 2025/26 budget.
During the 6 May budget briefing, Cr Kate Roper directly questioned the CEO on what this reduction would mean for staffing levels:
“I’m assuming that’s a significant number of people that are not going to be employees anymore? Five million dollars…” — Cr Roper
The CEO responded that while specifics weren’t yet available, a “formalised process” would be undertaken to achieve the target. Cr Roper pointed out that the budget documents referenced 774 full-time equivalent staff. When she attempted to clarify what impact the reduction would have on that number, Mayor Marsh interjected twice, stating:
“Councillors don’t talk about FT [full-time] numbers… we can’t adjust that.”
While no final number of redundancies has been confirmed, the $5 million cut is expected to significantly impact internal staffing. Marsh’s comment that “nothing’s changed” now appears at odds with those earlier discussions.
See for yourself
Creative Grants Reframed as Temporary
Regarding the arts sector, Marsh framed the removed grants as temporary COVID-era measures that were never intended to be ongoing:
“That was a COVID recovery leg-up… nothing is a given. People shouldn’t see it as an entitlement.”
But critics say the decision was made without consultation and replaces reliable community investment with an undefined “community safety and crime prevention” fund, for which scope and governance remain unclear.
When I asked a genuine question about recent budget decisions on Cr Marsh’s public Facebook page, my comment was deleted and I was blocked. That alone speaks volumes.
Transparency and accountability matter—especially when $480K is stripped from the arts, a sector with clear long-term social and economic returns, and $500K is suddenly allocated to an undefined “crime prevention” initiative prompted by a single survey line.
No strategy, no evidence base, no detail.
We’re constantly told there’s no local money for the arts because it’s a “state responsibility”; but apparently there is money for an unscoped placeholder project. That’s a major disconnect.
Ironically, the arts are one of the most effective tools we have for building safer, more connected communities. Every criminologist will tell you: boredom, disconnection and lack of purpose are key drivers of anti-social behaviour. Arts and culture tackle that at the root.
This deserves real answers—not censorship.
#SaveOurArtsMP #ArtsMatter #Transparency #CommunitySafety #MorningtonPeninsula #GoodGovernance
I was too blocked when I asked about the dodgy council regarding the beach racking, as a conflict of interest Max Patton left the room, as he works at white cliffs foreshore, yet Paul pingiaro stayed when he owned a boat buisness aswell as batty who is apart of the beach box association, they both voted to destroy the environment while Patton left and had no say. I simply asked Mayor Marsh why? And I was blocked! These councillors are dodgy and it’s the same 5 that always destroy everything along side marsh, they are destroying the arts, destroying indigenous culture and the environment
expecting grants to continue unquestioned seems a little demanding!?
How do other upcoming art groups obtain funding, If funds are already allocated each year?
Plus doesn’t there need to be flexibility with funds for areas of need?
I think reviewing applications each year or two is a great idea.
How did this clown get in? He is a dictator who shuts down any community consultation or individual opinions.
First the arts and now the hand taking of the beach. The hand raking of the beach is cheaper cost wise by far & beach mustard and other plants which holds the sand and banks together are not damaged. Lots more staff have been employed to undertake this less damaging form of beach management. It does not make sense!
A council that doesn’t support environmental measures or the funding of the Arts and creatives.
As for post COVID funding that is a convenient excuse. Now more than ever in a cost of living crisis funding is needed.
One can only scratch one’s head at the stupidity of such decisions…
Majority of councilors were elected on the platforms of beach cleaning efficiency, concentration on local issues, less involvement in global issues, reducing employee and consultant costs and justification of spending.