NO BUDGET HELP FOR THE ARTS

Scott Morrison has once again made clear his disdain for Australia’s arts and entertainment workers.

It’s been 104 days since Mr Morrison was dragged kicking and screaming into announcing some emergency support for this struggling sector – but he still hasn’t actually delivered a dollar.

And last night’s budget makes it clear he doesn’t intend to offer any further help to this $111 billion industry or its 600,000 workers, many of whom lost their livelihoods overnight when COVID hit.

If the arts gets nothing in Mr Morrison’s so-called big spending budget, imagine what he’s going to do to the sector in the austerity budgets to come.

The COVID-19 crisis began in March. Labor first called for a support package in March.

For more than three months the Government stubbornly insisted there was no problem and that a sector completely shut down by restrictions was somehow doing okay.

After more than 100 days they finally relented and announced a support package on June 25.

Put your money where your mouth is, Mr Morrison.

A huge number of arts and entertainment workers also missed out on JobKeeper because of the way the Government designed the wage subsidy scheme. And many of those that did get it have just copped a pay cut.

These workers deserve better than this hopeless prime minister, who cares more about headlines than helping people.

Scott Morrison was there for the announcement alongside the celebrities but as always he’s failed to deliver. He’s all photo-op and no follow-up.

WEDNESDAY, 7 OCTOBER 2020