Calls for government to set up ‘temporary business interruption fund’ for live events

Live Performance Australia CEO Evelyn Richardson says the “significant challenge” facing promoters and producers of live entertainment is they are unable to get insurance against COVID shutdowns. This comes after the Byron Bay Bluesfest music festival was cancelled less than 24 hours before opening due to a COVID case reported in the region. “Clearly this is an enormous blow for the promoter, but also for the region, all of the flow on accommodation and tourist costs and so on,” Ms Richardson said. “It’s significant that the risk is being taken by the promoter … last year for example Bluesfest was able to get insured but this year with COVID nobody can get insurance. “That’s the significant challenge, not just for Bluesfest but for any promoter or producer that’s looking to … get a show on stage right now. “And that’s not just an issue in Australia, that’s a global issue. Promoters and producers can still insure for other things that might impact on their events but any kind of communicable disease such as COVID there is no insurance." Ms Richardson said her organisation wants the federal and state governments to look at a proposal to establish a “temporary business interruption fund” to support promoters and producers of events which may be “shut down at a moment’s notice."

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