The Federal Government must not ignore the pleas of the arts, entertainment and creative industry in its next coronavirus stimulus package and must fund a targeted package for the sector, the Greens say.

The Greens will continue to push for a targeted package for the arts and creative industries after the Morrison Government refused to support Greens’ amendments to the Coronavirus Stimulus Package provide extra financial support to the hardest hit industries.

Greens Spokesperson for the Arts Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the stimulus package doesn’t provide adequate support to large sections of the population who will be left behind and disproportionately affected by this health crisis, and the ensuing social and economic shutdown.

As the unfolding COVID-19 crisis continues to impact the Australia arts and creative industries, the Australian Greens have called for urgent government investment to save the industry from collapse and ensure artists keep a roof over their head.

The Greens are demanding an urgent injection of $1 billion to protect the industry from collapse and future-proof the arts, alongside restoring and increasing Australia Council funding to expand access for individuals and organisations to access grants.

The Greens are backing the calls by the arts and creative industry for an urgent $500m rescue package to prevent collapse of the multi-billion dollar sector in the face of COVID-19.

Greens Spokesperson for the Arts, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“Our creative and cultural industries are on the frontline of the COVID-19 fallout with events across the country cancelled and theatres, concerts and festivals effectively shutdown.