ALMBC Executive General Manager, Craig Spann, said that with JobKeeper destined to finish at the end of March, it was critical that the industry is supported in getting back to business.

He said that the recovery must be focussed on the thousands of venues across the country that not only provide platforms for artists to perform, but are the backbone of the national live music industry – employing staff and crew while supporting a diverse range of small to medium businesses.

“The perception that live music is back disguises the devastating reality facing our industry,” he says. “Those shows that are being presented are hampered by restrictions and crowd limits making them unprofitable and unsustainable, with many venues running at well under half their usual capacity for the indefinite future.

“Meanwhile, national tours have not been feasible since March last year. Snap lockdowns and wildly varied quarantine conditions have robbed the industry of confidence while also losing revenue and increasing costs – losses are significant and are putting our industry even further behind as we try to recover.

“Our hands are tied with Government policy preventing us from getting back to work supporting our employees and the thousands of small businesses around the country that are integral to the industry.”

The complexities facing the industry have been illustrated with the launch of a new online resource created by the ALMBC that captures the ever-changing patchwork of venue and border restrictions across the county.

Called the Gig Ready Dashboard, the new website has been developed by a team of volunteers around the country and will be updated daily.

“We have developed this resource as navigating the many and varied COVID restrictions around the country has become incredibly challenging for the industry, both for the day-to-day operation of venues and booking tours,” Spann added. “And these are restrictions that can change from day to day.”

The ALMBC is urging relevant authorities from around the country to engage with the local industry while also developing national frameworks that support the industry through institutions such as the National Cabinet.

ALMBC proposes the implementation of an ‘Essential Live Music Industry Worker Permit’ which would allow, in the case of a border closure or ‘hotspot’ designation for artists and crew to travel interstate. Permits will be subject to a national standard application process and in place indefinitely once approved.

If a border closure is triggered, artists will then need to liaise directly with relevant health authorities to notify of travel and adhere to clear guidelines – developed in partnership with health authorities – to eliminate contact with the broader community and audiences.

“With next to no community transmission, we are confident that we can work with authorities to protect the community in our venues while looking after the future of our industry,” Spann said. “All we ask is that Government at all levels work with us and listen to the deep concerns of our members.”

Information tiles / imagery can be downloaded from here.

Media inquiries to:

Rina Ferris
Ferris Davies PRM
Phone: (+61) 0418 674 082
Email: rina@ferrisdaviesprm.com.au