TONY BURKE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MANAGER OF OPPOSITION BUSINESS
MEMBER FOR WATSON
Australia’s arts and entertainment industry is on the brink of collapse and needs all the help it can get.
The Morrison Government has to come up with a plan. If they don’t do something soon, tens of thousands of people will lose their livelihoods. It’s not just artists and performers – it’s everyone who works behind the scenes to put on live entertainment, from technicians and roadies to security guards and stall workers.
But while we wait for the Government to act there are some things we can do to help now.
That’s why I am writing to the major music and TV streaming platforms, and to the commercial radio industry, urging them to support Australian creators through this crisis.
If they all focus on playing and promoting Australian content through this crisis it could help keep our artists alive.
I am writing to platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Stan and a number of commercial radio proprietors to ask them all to do their bit.
There are things all Australians can do too.
If you’re spending more time at home because you’re sick or self-isolating, please: stream Australian music; watch Australian movies and TV shows; read Australian books.
If you’re getting a refund on a performance of an Australian artist consider using some of that the money to buy some merch, direct from the artist’s website.
And if you’ve got some spare cash, consider donating to an organisation like Support Act, which helps artists doing it tough.
Australian artists enrich our lives and our nation. Whenever Australia faces a crisis, they’ve got our back – performing benefit concerts, raising money and lifting our spirits. Now, we need to have their back.
