CANBERRA will be a big winner from a $535.3 million pledge to national institutions over four years in the upcoming federal budget.

“Canberra is the proud custodian of some of the most treasured pieces of art, literature and culture from Australia’s national story,” says Finance Minister Katy Gallagher.

“The institutions are often the gateway to attracting visitors to the Canberra region and are a key driver of the ACT economy, so this funding will ensure local jobs and the tourism sector are supported into the future.”

The funding will be go to the Canberra-based Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House), National Archives of Australia, National Film and Sound Archive, National Gallery of Australia, National Library of Australia, National Museum of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery of Australia, as well as the Australian National Maritime Museum and Bundanon Trust.

This week the government is also announced a spend of $33 million to secure the long-term future of the National Library’s digital archive Trove.

The government says the money will guarantee ongoing, indexed funding and ensure repairs and urgent safety improvements can be made and that staff will have ongoing certainty about their jobs.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “I want all Australians to be able to visit, appreciate and learn from these institutions for generations to come.

“These are special places and we should be proud of them. They preserve, protect and celebrate Australia’s stories and history. My government is committed to preserving, protecting and celebrating them.”