The Victorian Greens have launched a campaign calling on Premier Andrews to create a $50 million dollar dedicated fund for live music venues that are at risk of closing as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
The fund would ensure that venues could stay afloat until restrictions are further eased and they are able to get back up and running.
Melbourne currently has more live music venues per capita than any other city in the world and generates $1.7 billion dollars for our economy.
However these venues are the ones that have been left high and dry by the state government since the crisis began, despite being among the hardest hit.
While money has been promised for venues, it’s mostly for pokies and gambling venues, while live music venues are struggling.
Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell, said that Victoria’s live music scene enriched the lives of people across the state and that it was a hub in desperate need of protecting.
The Greens have created a petition calling for the dedicated fund, will be running Facebook ads and will be advocating for it when Parliament resumes next week. Street posters are also running across the inner city.
Music venues across the city are participating in the campaign.
As stated by Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell MP:
“If our government can find $44 million for the horse racing industry, and funding to keep pokies venues alive, they should be able to support the live music venues, workers and performers that are struggling right now.
“They need to immediately establish a $50 million dollar fund to help our vibrant and vital live music scene stay afloat during this crisis.
“We’re at real risk of seeing our live music scene disappear, unless the government steps in.”
