As the COVID crisis worsens in NSW and Victoria and live events continue to be wiped out, politicians are putting pressure on the government to provide financial support to the music sector.
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Victorian MP Fiona Patten, Leader of Reason, has today called for the State Government to reintroduce the Live Music Venues Program, which last year provided $15m in cash to much-loved venues across the state.
Patten noted the two current State Government grants open to venues weren’t adequate, because you need a food license to be eligible for the Hospitality Venue Fund, and the Events Support Package only compensates for one cancelled gig.
“Until we can safely have live music back, the government must support the industry,” Patten said.
“I’m not sure who thinks money for one cancelled gig is anywhere near enough.
“We need a simple process that recognizes the gig culture of Melbourne, live music venues don’t host one event in a month, they do four or five a-week.
“The Arts need state and federal government support until we can gather safely again – it’s as simple as that.”
“If that means support them until November, support them until November.”
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Read the full article on The Music’s website.