ARTS SECTOR DESPERATE FOR HELP

The Morrison Government must deliver extra support for Australia’s ailing arts and entertainment workers as the worsening COVID crisis forces the cancellation of another wave of tours, festivals and events.

Just as the live entertainment sector was slowly starting to rebuild after last year’s destruction it has been plunged into a new crisis as a result of Scott Morrison’s failures on quarantine and the vaccination rollout.

Many arts workers have already gone for months with little or no income – because of the Mr Morrison’s deliberate refusal to include them in JobKeeper and his failure to actually deliver on the support he announced.

Arts Minister Paul Fletcher confirmed this week the Government has only delivered half of the $200 million it promised.

There’s no lack of need here – this money hasn’t been delivered because of a lethal mix of Government incompetence and indifference.

In the words of singer Guy Sebastian, the Government’s efforts have been “dismal”.

Mr Sebastian attended Mr Morrison’s photo-op announcement in June last year in good faith – but is dismayed that “no one seems to have followed through on their words”.

The Government should deliver what they said they would. Now.

They should also as a matter of urgency set up a national COVID-19 insurance scheme for the arts, entertainment and events industry – similar to the Temporary Interruption Fund for the film industry.

Labor has been calling for this for six months now. But the Government has stubbornly refused to act.

Commercial insurance is no longer available for COVID-19 for events.

That means all the investments made into those events now being cancelled will be lost. Some businesses will now be assessing whether or not they can survive to the other side of the current restrictions.

So because of this Government’s failures a number of businesses that are completely viable outside the pandemic now face an uncertain future.

We want people to have the confidence to organise and invest in major events in Australia. But how can they if they are unable to insure against lockdowns and COVID-related cancellations?

Australia’s arts and entertainment sector workers deserve so much better than this. Their work has helped us all get through lockdowns.

Just a few days ago the Melbourne arts community came together to make a powerful video encouraging vaccinations. Despite being left behind by this Government they used their talents and resources for the public good.

These workers are a vital part of our economy, our society and our culture. The Government must not forget about them again.

FRIDAY, 23 JULY 2021