Arts and Cultural Ministers teleconference update

Commonwealth and State and Territory creative and cultural Ministers today discussed the unprecedented and evolving COVID-19 situation and its effect on the creative and cultural sector, which plays such an integral economic and social role in the life of our nation, and will be critical to the health and wellbeing of people both during this immediate crisis, and into the recovery period.

Examples of the impact of necessary restrictions on mass gatherings and social distancing measures on the creative and cultural sector were shared between all Ministers. They acknowledged the devastating effects of live performance cancellations for artists, producers, directors, roadies and many others who rely on the sector for work, and who are often casual employees and sole traders.

Ministers discussed the importance of working together on responses to this issue. They agreed to reconvene to further discuss cash flow issues and grant arrangements, consider the role of creative development and digital capability to help sustain the sector, and to continue to work together for the benefit of the sector during this once-in-a-generation event.

Attendees

Australian Government: the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts

South Australia: The Hon Steven Marshall MP, Premier

Australian Capital Territory: Mr Gordon Ramsay MLA, Minister for the Arts, Creative Industries and Cultural Events

New South Wales: The Hon Don Harwin MLC, Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts

Northern Territory: the Hon Lauren Moss, Minister for the Arts

Queensland: The Hon Leeanne Enoch MP, Minister for the Arts

Tasmania: The Hon Elise Archer MP, Minister for the Arts

Victoria: Mr Martin Foley MP, Minister for Creative Industries

Western Australia: The Hon David Templeman MLA, Minister for Local Government, Heritage, Culture and the Arts