2020-04-03
The Australia Council Four Year Funding for Organisations announcement today is a blow for our arts sector at a time when they are already suffering so much and the industry needs an urgent targeted package, the Greens say.
Greens Spokesperson for the Arts Senator Sarah Hanson-Young again called for an urgent targeted package for the arts, entertainment and creative industry. The Greens have been calling for at least a $1bn package to Save Creative Australia for many weeks.
“The Council has been forced to weather the Coronavirus storm with little help from the Government and now key arts organisations and programs are missing out,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“Where the hell is the Minister? He’s been missing in action for weeks now and the Prime Minister has not said a word about the impact this is having on the arts and creative industries.
“The fact is the arts is a key part of our economy and community that is amongst the hardest hit by the Coronavirus and yet they have been given very little to get through. It’s worth $112 billion to the economy and employs 600,000 people.
“Parliament is back next week and the Government should use it as an opportunity to deliver a sector specific rescue package to our arts, creative and entertainment industry.
“Australians across the country are relying on the work and contributions of Australia’s artists to help get us all through this very difficult period. We are watching their shows, films and listening to their music.
“The very least the arts community deserves right now is a lifeline for survival and a recognition from Government of the value they bring to our community as a whole. Without a targeted package there might not be an industry left on the other side of this crisis.”