State MP Claims Prominent Sydney Music Venue At Risk Of Closing 'This Afternoon'

NSW Shadow Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy John Graham has revealed that a "prominent" Sydney live music venue is at risk of closing its doors "this afternoon" during discussions about support for the music sector post-JobKeeper in Parliament today. 

Graham revealed the news when questioning Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres at NSW Parliament this morning about Government providing a financial package for the NSW live music scene.

"You're aware of another prominent music venue - I won't name them because if I did, that would be jobs gone, tickets cancelled, gigs cancelled - who is at risk of having the doors closed this afternoon at 5pm," Graham said.

"We are losing venues right now - last week, today, next week. They can't wait for New South Wales to take specific steps to fund those venues. What can we do, Minister?"

Ayres confirmed that he has had interactions with NSW campaign group Save Our Stages and that an application to request Government support is "currently being assessed" by Treasury.

"As much as waiting is often painful, I think making sure that where we deploy taxpayer funds... is critical," Ayres responded to Graham's question. 

"The Federal Government making its announcements around what it will do in the tourism sector post-JobKeeper and then the State Government taking a more targeted approach for where those gaps exist."

READ MORE: 'Live Music Has Not Recovered' - MP Slams Lack Of Arts Sector Support In Exclusive Op-Ed

When pressed on venues not having the time to wait, Ayres responded, "I think it's fair to say that the taxpayer shouldn't have the exposure to support every entertainment venue or every business...

"I'm more than happy and will continue to advocate for appropriate interventions in sectors that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID, but I want to make sure that as best as we possibly can that where we deploy taxpayer funds, it actually delivers an outcome."

Last month, NSW Labor called on the Berejiklian Government again to provide funding for live music venues at risk of closing around the state.

It’s been estimated that 85% of venues could close when JobKeeper comes to an end later this month.