Petition To Include Arts Sector In JobKeeper Passes 30,000 Signatures In First Week

A petition calling for the Federal Government to include the arts and entertainment sector in JobKeeper payments has passed 30,000 signatures in less than one week since launching. 

Shadow Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said the petition - lodged by actor and Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance Federal President of Equity, Chloe Dallimore - is "one of the most successful parliamentary petitions in recent years" with three weeks still to go.

"The response is yet more evidence that this is an industry in crisis, crying out for help from this government. And it shows that the Australian people want the government to do something to save our country’s cultural life," Burke said.

"It has now been more than three months since Labor first called on the government to help this sector, which was completely shut down by the coronavirus restrictions – and faces many more months in stasis.

"We have called for a comprehensive industry support package, including support for workers themselves – many of whom have been shut out of the government’s JobKeeper wage subsidy.

"At the start of June the government gave these workers a glimmer of hope by suggesting a rescue package was on the way.

"Two weeks later, there’s still been nothing. These desperate workers are still waiting."

Head here to sign the petition.

Burke featured on a special edition of The Green Room with Neil Griffiths podcast last month to discuss how the Australian music industry has progressed throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, alongside songwriter Alex Lahey and more key industry figures.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts (below) or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.