Greens leader calls for $1bn in funding for arts and creative industries if they are to survive the coronavirus outbreak

Adam Bandt, the leader of the Greens party and MP for Melbourne, has said the arts and creative industries will need $1bn in funding if they are to survive the struggles placed upon them by the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Bandt’s words come after Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, held a roundtable for cultural and creative sector bodies to discuss plans for their survival as more live entertainment is cancelled and the sector is threatened by precautions to stymie the virus’ spread.

The @greens ‘Saving Creative Australia’ package delivers $1 billion to keep the lights on across the sector and guarantee work for artists and creatives. This is essential for those suffering from mass gig and event cancellations who can't simply switch off their expenses.