Minister Slammed For Explanation On Arts Workers Not Covered By JobKeeper

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has been slammed for comments he made today regarding arts workers who are not covered by JobKeeper. 

Appearing on ABC Radio this morning, Cormann said those who are not covered by the scheme "can’t demonstrate that they’ve had relevant falls in their revenue”.

In a statement today, Shadow Minister for the Arts Tony Burke slammed Cormann's comments.

"Earth to the Minister: the arts and entertainment industry has been shut down," Burke said.

"These workers watched their incomes evaporate and job opportunities disappear as gigs were cancelled, shows were scrapped, galleries were closed down and productions were halted in the early days of this crisis.

"They’re not missing out because they can’t demonstrate a drop in revenue. They’re missing out because the Government designed JobKeeper in a way that deliberately excludes them. A huge number of people in the arts and entertainment sector work gig to gig, as freelancers or as casuals on short-term contracts – so they miss out on the wage subsidy."

Burke added that the arts sector needs "a comprehensive support package".

"The one part of the industry that had a chance of returning to work early – screen production - has been cruelly held back by the Government’s suspension of screen quotas for new drama, documentary and children’s content.

"These are not celebrities we’re talking about. These are mostly low-income, insecure workers who work hard to delight and entertain us.

"They were there when Australia needed them, helping to raise money for bushfire relief. Australians have been relying on music, books, and Australian television and movies to help get them through isolation. This is their hour of need – but the Government has abandoned them."

It comes after the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that jobs within the arts and recreation services have decreased by 19% since March.