Ms VAGHELA (Western Metropolitan) (12:15): My constituency question is directed to the Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Minister for Government Services and Minister for Creative Industries, the Honourable Danny Pearson. My question relates to the portfolio responsibility of creative industries. The Andrews Labor government is supporting musicians, bands and music businesses to get back to the stage. Grants of between $4000 and $40 000 are available for activities, including recording and releasing new music, presenting music events, marketing and business development. Investment in the music industry is much needed as it will help reignite the famed Victorian music industry. My question to the minister is: can the minister please provide me an update on how residents and musical businesses of the Western Metropolitan Region will benefit from this important initiative?
Reply:
Danny Pearson MP, Minister for Creative Industries (21 December 2021):
The Andrews Government is proud of the support we have provided to our world-famous live music sector to respond to and recovery from the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The live music industry in Melbourne’s vibrant and diverse Western Metropolitan Region are well placed to benefit from the Andrews Government’s music support programs designed to ensure our music industry can survive and thrive. For example, musicians and other music businesses can apply for support through the Music Works grant program. Venues, festival and event organisers and audiences will benefit from the recently announced $20 million Live Music Restart package which included further support for Victoria’s famous live music venues as well as events and festivals across the state.
This recent announcement is in addition to more than $25 million in dedicated COVID-19 support over 2020 and 2021, including the Victorian Live Music Venues Program, the Victorian Music Industry Recovery Program and the Regional and Outer-Suburban Live Music Fund which will deliver On the Road Again, a program of live music events to activate across the state including Melbourne’s west from now and throughout 2022.
Many music businesses have also benefited from a range of more general business assistance programs, such as the recent Live Performance Support Package, the waiving of payroll tax and liquor licence fees, the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme, Business Support Fund, Business Costs Assistance Program and Licensed Hospitality Venue Program. Artists and other music businesses have also been eligible to apply to the Sustaining Creative Workers and Music Works programs.
The Andrews Labor government is investing in our live music industry, a rich source of jobs for Victorian creative workers and which brings joy to the millions who participate as audiences each year.