ARTS PETITION PASSES 30,000 SIGNATURES

TONY BURKE MP.
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3 years ago
ARTS PETITION PASSES 30,000 SIGNATURES
TONY BURKE MP
The official parliamentary petition calling on the Morrison Government to support arts and entertainment workers through the coronavirus crisis has passed more than 30,000 signatures in its first week.

This incredible support makes this one of the most successful parliamentary petitions in recent years, with three weeks yet to run.

The petition was lodged by actor Chloe Dallimore, who is also the Federal President of Equity at the MEAA.

The response is yet more evidence that this is an industry in crisis, crying out for help from this government. And it shows that the Australian people want the government to do something to save our country’s cultural life.

It has now been more than three months since Labor first called on the government to help this sector, which was completely shut down by the coronavirus restrictions – and faces many more months in stasis.

We have called for a comprehensive industry support package, including support for workers themselves – many of whom have been shut out of the government’s JobKeeper wage subsidy.

At the start of June the government gave these workers a glimmer of hope by suggesting a rescue package was on the way.

Two weeks later, there’s still been nothing. These desperate workers are still waiting.

Has it all been a cruel hoax? Did the government raise expectations just to let these people down once again?
Communications and the Arts