The Greens will use the balance of power to push for a minimum $250 payment for live performers working at government-backed events.
Supporting live performers will be on the Greens’ agenda in the next federal parliament as part of a proposed $1 billion fund for the sector.
The minor party has pledged to back union calls for a $250 minimum fee for artists performing at public-funded events, and to deliver a Live Performance Insurance Guarantee, particularly relevant after a string of cancellations throughout the pandemic.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young accused the government of ignoring “repeated pleas” to support the industry through COVID-19 lockdowns.
“The Morrison government has treated the arts sector and creative workers with contempt,” she said.
“The arts helped us all get through lockdowns whether it was listening to our favourite bands, watching our favourite shows, reading a good novel or appreciating other forms of art. It’s time we are there for them … performers are the reason audiences show up, they deserve a minimum fee for publicly funded events.”
The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance has called for a $250 minimum fee for performers when an event is backed by government funding.
They say this will ensure those events reflect industry payment standards determined by industry bodies.
State governments in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia have all committed to the minimum fee.
Greens leader Adam Bandt said his party’s Creative Australia plan also includes grant funding for COVID-19 recovery and initiatives for the screen industry so more Australian stories can be told.
“In balance of power, the Greens will push for musicians, comedians and other performers playing in government-backed events to get properly paid, and for more support for artists when gigs are cancelled,” he said.
“A live performance insurance fund will help artists and performers hit with COVID-related cancellations … for too long performers have been expected to wear massive financial risks.”
