Cruel Sea/Beasts of Bourbon frontman Tex Perkins has announced he will run in the upcoming Victorian Election, up against sitting member Martin Foley, the architect for reforms for the music industry.
Perkins’ surprise decision to stand as an Independent in the state election is focused on a fundraising drive for badly needed restorations to St Kilda’s historic Palais Theatre.
However, by running up again Foley, Perkins is risking biting the hand that feeds the music industry.
Martin Foley is currently the sitting member for the seat of Albert Park and if Labor are successful in winning the next election on November 29 will become the Minister for the Arts and Youth. He is presently the shadow minister.
Mr Foley, together with the leader of the state Labor Party, Dan Andrews last week announced $22.2 million in funding for contemporary music in Victoria and reversing the vicious cuts from the Liberal Party during their term in government.
Well known and well respected Tex Perkins could have offered his support to Mr Foley and helped increase Labor’s chances in the next election, therefore securing additional funding across Arts, Education and Technology for the good of the entire music industry state-wide.
While Tex’s intentions are good, his strategy is flawed and as the case with any single policy politician whose side-tracking campaign dilutes the greater benefits to the entire state-wide community.
Yes, the Palais Theatre is a heritage building and should be funded properly to complete its restoration, but not at the risk and allowing four more years of budget cuts.
Tex Perkins running for politics makes as much sense as Martin Foley fronting The Cruel Sea.
