Shark attacks Prem
GOLD Coast superstar musician Amy Shark is taking on Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, issuing a plea for help to save one of the nation’s biggest industries.
The singer, who holds the No.1 spot on the ARIA charts with new single Cry Forever, made a late-night call for greater support for the music industry, which has been on its knees since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down live performances last year.
“I wish you’d support the music industry like this @AnnastaciaMP we need help x,” she tweeted on Saturday night.
The tweet was in response to Ms Palaszczuk and Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe posing up for a photo at Suncorp Stadium where the Queensland Reds won the Super Rugby title.
“Queensland are the comeback kings! What a win @Reds_Rugby in front of 41,637 fans at Suncorp Stadium,” Ms Palaszczuk tweeted.
A spokesman for Ms Palaszczuk said the government had this week committed $1.3m in funding to 21 live music venues across the state.
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch made the announcement at the annual Queensland Music Awards.
“We recognise the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the arts and culture sector, and on indoor live music venues,” she said.
“That is why we have committed to supporting the industry with $22.5m in funding through the Arts and Cultural Recovery Package.”
It comes weeks after some of Australia’s leading musicians called for greater support for the industry and an end to the “double standard” between restrictions for live music. The Play Fair petition, launched by The Triffid’s John Collins and
The Fortitude Music Hall’s Brett Gibson, has been backed by everyone from Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to former Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning.
It has already been signed by nearly 19,000 people.
It asks Ms Palaszczuk to alleviate restrictions on live music venues, similar to what was done at Suncorp Stadium and The Gabba.
Owner of social hub Miami Marketta and Play Fair campaign supporter Emma Milikins said the inconsistencies between music and sports events were frustrating. “Our industry cannot understand the difference between the two,” she said “Health officials say one is standing and one is seated, which makes no difference, as seated events are at full capacity with no 1.5m apart. Health officials say it is okay to dance but you have to do it at 1.5 metres.”
Bulletin readers supported Ms Shark’s tweet with many insisting the restrictions be removed. “Remove capacity limits for venues so we can support our musicians,” @lastnighton—earth said.