Music Industry Conducts Roundtable With Govt On Impact Of Coronavirus

The music industry has today taken part in a virtual roundtable established by the Morrison Government to deal with the impacts of the coronavirus.

Peak cultural and creative sector bodies took part in the roundtable with Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, including Live Performance Australia’s Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson.

LPA has called for targeted and immediate support of the industry alongside a stimulus package.

“That was a useful opportunity for representatives from across the industry to tell the Minister how they were being impacted by the shutdown of events and venues due to coronavirus,” Richardson said.

“But what we really need from Government right now is a plan of action, backed up by significant funding to support the thousands of people who are losing work across our industry. Australia’s $4 billion live performance industry is on the brink of collapse without immediate government support.

“Realistically, we’re looking at a three-six month closure period at least before any recovery phase. In this scenario we will have not just thousands of people out of work but major companies going under along with a decimated small to medium sector. The industry also needs to ensure our service providers can survive so that when we reactivate we have capacity to get moving as quickly as we can.

“Cash flow is our biggest problem and government needs to act quickly to put in place emergency measures to ensure we survive.” 

Following the roundtable, Fletcher noted: “It is clear that COVID-19 presents significant issues for our arts organisations – and like all Australians, they are showing great community spirit in calmly and efficiently dealing with the circumstances they are facing in the near-term so we can come through this challenging period.

“I thank sector representatives for their time and contributions at today’s roundtable, and for their leadership across the creative and cultural sector. A number of practical suggestions were put forward during our discussion. The information I obtained today from this roundtable will feed into whole of Government planning on COVID-19 responses.”

Meanwhile, NSW Shadow Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy John Graham has called on the state government to throw more support behind creative industries with its stimulus package.

“The economic impact of coronavirus has already been devastating for the music industry, and things will only get worse. It’s imperative that the government stimulus package include music and entertainment businesses,” Graham said. 

“Our musicians were the first to help after the bushfires. They survived the lockouts. Now they need our help, as their work dries up overnight as a result of these important restrictions on public gatherings.”

The roundtable follows the cancellation of Groovin The Moo and postponement of Splendour In The Grass earlier today.

For more information about how COVID-19 is impacting the music industry, follow the link here.