The collapse of Australia’s live music industry, which is operating at less than four per cent of pre-COVID levels, has led artists and music workers to call on the federal government for an extension of the JobKeeper subsidy.
“Each time there is another COVID-19 cluster or a quarantine breach, any plans to trade again are halted,” the letter reads. “Musicians, sole traders, venues, clubs, festivals, music businesses and the industry remain out of work.“Billions of dollars for hospitality and tourism generated from Australian music remains stifled. We are an industry in crisis.
“A restart can’t happen while borders remain closed and audience capacity limits are in place,” the letter read.“We can’t afford to lose the skills and businesses of our industry. The result for Australian music and live entertainment would be catastrophic.” We applaud the work of local, state and federal authorities, as well as the community and acknowledge the situation in Australia is much different to most nations around the world. But Australia remains in a cycle of lockdowns and border closures to keep on top of the insidious COVID-19 pandemic.
kayegreenleaf theMoop_mb This is the aorst part of the pandemic for me. Being unable to perform and seeing so many great musos struggling is really sad. Scomo, take care of the musos!
theMoop_mb There was already an announcement. What more do they want?
theMoop_mb Good luck with that just move to anywhere other than Victoria you might stand a chance to play then
theMoop_mb If help is given why help musicians? Why not help on the basis of need, whether musician or farmer or whatever?
theMoop_mb eventsindustry. A large percentage are gig workers. This time last year we were donating our time and equipment to the bushfires benefit concert. Thats what we do. If money is to be raised for charities we donate. Time to help us.