WA Govt Praised For ‘Innovative Approach’ To Live Music Return

The WA Government is being praised for its “innovative approach” to helping live performances recommence in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As more and more gigs take place across the state, Live Performance Australia has commended the McGowan Government’s comprehensive $76 million arts and culture package, which includes a $15 million ‘Getting the Show back on the Road’ package.

The $15 million package will assist in creating more live performances and tours and will help the industry manage the risks associated with re-opening during COVID-19.

“While states such as WA have achieved great results in suppressing COVID-19 and been able to relax restrictions, Victoria’s stage 4 shutdown and ongoing concerns about clusters in NSW highlight the persistent threat posed by COVID-19,” LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said.

“We applaud the McGowan Government’s approach in developing this shared risk package in consultation with our industry.

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“There is significant commercial risk involved with restarting or scheduling new productions or festivals as long as there is potential for venue and event closures or other restrictions which are imposed to deal with further outbreaks of COVID-19.

“The Commonwealth Government and other states and territories should follow WA’s lead in designing similar shared risk support measures to give the live performance industry greater confidence to plan and prepare for reopening in their jurisdictions.

“We have asked Federal Government to consider extending the Temporary Interruption Fund for the screen industry, or a similar model, to the live performance sector, given we face very similar challenges in securing insurance against COVID-19 related disruptions.

“It is not commercially viable for major productions to resume with current social distancing requirements. In the event these are relaxed, the prospect of future disruption for production or touring seasons remains a major obstacle to being able to confidently restart and rebuild our industry.”