2021-11-30
The Greens are urging the Morrison Government to listen to the live music and entertainment industry groups who are again today pleading for a government-backed insurance scheme.
Greens Arts Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young who has laws before the parliament to establish a live performance insurance guarantee said:
“The Morrison Government’s failure to heed the live performance industry’s calls and warnings about the consequences of being uninsured has left it in an incredibly perilous position heading into the festival season.
“Now with the new Omicron covid variant and the return of restrictions the situation is again dire for an industry trying to get shows back on the road after two years of struggle.
“There has been a clear market failure and the government must step in and underwrite an insurance scheme.
“Australia needs live music and entertainment to recover and right now our artists, musicians and their crews are being devastated by another season of events, festivals, concerts, exhibitions and live performances being cancelled. The insurance industry just isn’t there to help them and nor is the Morrison Government.
“The Greens' bill, backed by Labor and state and territory governments could be passed today if the Prime Minister had the will. A national scheme is required for a borderless industry and the Federal Government should be leading the charge.”