Music Industry Calls On Govt For Insurance Scheme As Omicron Variant Threatens Recovery

Although it might seem like we’re returning to a new normal, the live music industry has a long way to recovery and the new Omicron COVID-19 variant could make that even harder.

With a slew of major events quickly approaching and more announced each day, another outbreak would be a devasting blow to the industry, that’s why a number of live music and entertainment bodies are calling for the Morrison Government and states to urgently deliver a nationwide insurance scheme.

The ALMBC, APRA AMCOS, ARIA, PPCA, Live Performance Australia and more are part of the movement.

“The emergence of this new variant on the heels of Delta and the rapid global response to limit its spread is a salutary reminder that this is not over yet,” reads a statement from APRA AMCOS.

“For an industry getting back on its feet, investing nationally and working hard to get shows back on stage and touring, the ongoing threat of future business disruption is very real.

“It takes months for industry to manage, coordinate and deliver events that tour both regionally and nationally. Thousands of businesses, sole traders and artists are at the mercy of new strains and the ongoing threat of more government lockdowns and reimposition of restrictions.

Earlier this month, Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews unveiled interruption insurance for music festivals in the state, but the live industry is saying for such a scheme to truly work, there needs to be something developed nationally.

“We again call on the Federal Government to step up and co-ordinate a co-contribution scheme shared with the states and territories,” the statement from APRA AMCOS continues

“The Australian live music and entertainment sector has long argued that a government-backed insurance scheme is crucial to allowing the sector to rebuild, maintain employment and rapidly restore its critical economic and cultural contribution to the nation.

“Live Music and Entertainment is at the core of how our nation comes together – whether at the local pub or our biggest stadiums – a key driver of many other sectors and the heart and soul of great hospitality, travel and tourism experiences. It is essential that the Live Music and Entertainment industry does not lose its capacity to operate due to any future venue capacity or border restrictions.

“Protecting our industry assets and skills base is critical to ensuring we play our part in maintaining employment and bringing back economic and social benefits to our cities and regions. The industry calls on all levels of government to come together and establish a partnership approach with industry, delivering a government-backed insurance scheme and ongoing support.”

As the industry starts to recover, one of the biggest issues it currently faces is a skills shortage, due to workers being forced to find other work throughout the pandemic and a drop in those entering in the first place.

“We’ve lost a lot of people," Stephen Wade, CEO of Select Music and Chairperson of the Australian Live Music Business Council (ALMBC), told The Music earlier this month when Victorian venue density constraints were removed.

"So once we get back to the point where you’ve got three major stadium tours happening at one time or two big festivals towards the end of next year, will we still have the volume of people and equipment to be able to do those things?

“So, we have to be really on top of that and we’ve still got to work through insurance elements. Obviously, the Victorian package that was just announced is incredible; it gives promoters in that state an edge over everybody else in the country because they’ve got that backup from the government.”