Page 2185 - Week 07 - Thursday, 27 August 2020
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elsewhere and to provide them with an opportunity to still ply their trade and earn some money in this very difficult time.
The COVID committee discussed Live in Ya Lounge back in June, as I recollect. There was a recommendation in, I think, the most recent report, calling for assistance with hiring fees for the events. The government said that they would do that but there are still hiring fees for the event.
The event does take time and money to put on. This petition is calling for a modest $5,500 per show, which will cover people’s wages and keep bread on the table of people across Canberra while they are providing services.
There is a lot of money in the arts budget that is not as well directed as it could be, and I have spoken about that in the past. The minister really tried to take the acclaim for Live in Ya Lounge. It is part of a wider event which has some government leadership, but Live in Ya Lounge was essentially the stand-out star of that event and was set up beforehand. It became part of the Where You Are Festival.
Live in Ya Lounge provides a service for the people of Canberra during difficult times. It provides an opportunity for artists to strut their stuff during difficult times. If this government was interested in supporting groups, individuals and businesses in this town, which they are not, they would be behind Live in Ya Lounge and this $5,500 of pandemic assistance would be very easily forthcoming.
I commend the people involved in the petition and I commend Ms Lee for bringing it forward today.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Standing orders—suspension
Motion (by Mr Gentleman) agreed to, with the concurrence of an absolute majority:
That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent the adjournment debate for this sitting extending beyond the 30 minute time limit.
Leave of absence
Motion (by Mr Wall) agreed to:
That leave of absence be granted to Mrs Jones for today due to sickness.
COVID-19 pandemic response—Select Committee
Reporting date
MR WALL (Brindabella) (9.56): I seek leave to move a motion to alter the reporting date for the select committee inquiry into the COVID-19 response.
Leave granted.
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