‘This Is Beyond A Joke’: Minister Demands Clarity Around Artists’ Access To Arts Relief Package

Shadow Minister for the Arts Tony Burke has called for more clarity around the Government’s “much-delayed” relief package for the Australian arts and entertainment sector.

Scott Morrison announced the $250 million creative economy package 20 days ago, with Burke stating that “artists and entertainers still have no idea how to access the funds”.

“As of this morning, the Office for the Arts has not released any eligibility criteria, guidelines, or application forms that would enable workers to even determine whether they can apply for grants or concessional loans,” Burke said in a statement today.

“This is beyond a joke. The arts and entertainment sector needed this money yesterday. They had to wait for more than 100 days for Scott Morrison to even acknowledge the problems they were facing – and they are still waiting to access the money they have now been promised.”

Burke also reiterated the fact that the arts and entertainment sector was one of the first to be impacted by Australia’s COVID-related shutdown and that it will feel the effects of that long after other industries return to normal.

“Australia’s arts and entertainment sector workers deserve better than this," he said. 

"They are the makers, keepers and producers of Australian stories, and they have helped us to get through this crisis. They are helping us still.

“It took more than 100 days for the Morrison government to finally act on the desperate calls from the sector for help. How many more days will they have to wait to get the support they were promised?”

The 250 million package includes $75 million in grants to assist production and event businesses that put on festivals and tours, $35 million in direct financial assistance to musicians, theatres, dance groups, and more.