One Wise Politician

One of my favorite bloggers, Instapundit, often says that the current political class is the worst ever. But sometimes you can be surprised. Canada's Pierre Elliott Trudeau had some surprising things to say at times. I recall that after coming out of a viewing of Gallipoli, the film about WWI by Australian director Peter Weir, that he said the ending made him feel "sucked into nothingness" which is a pretty good take on it. And speaking of Australians, I just ran a across a remarkable interview with Australian politician Paul Keating who was Prime Minister of Australia from 1991 to 1996. Here it is:

I don't think I have ever heard more sensible talk about music and the arts from a politician. How in heaven's name do folks like this get elected in Australia?

I've long had a soft spot for Australia since I first started watching Australian cinema in the 70s and 80s. Lots of excellent films like Breaker Morant and Picnic at Hanging Rock. Lots of good pop music too like Men at Work:

In the early 80s it was that song that turned me back on to pop music. There was also XTC:

Some of the best classical guitars in the world are made in Australia by people like Greg Smallman. They make some great wine too like Penfolds Grange. Then there are some recent pop stars like Gotye who just won a Grammy for Record of the Year for his song "Somebody That I Used to Know" (that I blogged about long ago!):

But I find the less pop-oriented musician Packwood even more interesting:

Wow. Australia is a fascinating place all right.

Official Didgeridoo Performance Costs

I know you have been worrying about this: what will it cost to hire a didgeridoo player to lend just the right touch to your next visit to Australia? Well worry no more. Here, according to the government of New South Wales, is what it costs:

2.2 DIDGERIDOO

Didgeridoo players are frequently used in Welcome ceremonies to ‘call’ speakers, special guests and the audience to begin the ceremony. A didgeridoo player may also be used as a soloist in other parts of the ceremony.

Professional didgeridoo players, registered with an agent, charge a standard industry fee. Fees may be negotiable, according to individual performers needs and the type of performance required.

The National Musicians Enterprise Agreement, certified in July 2003, contains the following minimum rates for musicians.

Category 1 performer, for a minimum 3 hour performance:

3 x $104.00 per hour + $12.43 make up and costume allowance + $ 4.00 instrument allowance + $28.37 rehearsal rate.

Total cost is $356.80 per performance

Fees vary within the industry, from agent to agent and performer to performer. Agent fees, administration, transport and insurance costs may be charged on top of the award minimum.

Example:

Nature, an Aboriginal didgeridoo duo who were used extensively during NSW Centenary of Federation celebrations, charge between $450.00 to $800.00 per performance.

The EORA Centre for Visual and Performing Arts (TAFE) often assists with requests for student musicians/didgeridoo players. The EORA Centre recommends a minimum fee of $150.00 per performance.

If you can do that for the three hour minimum performance time, I admire your stamina!