Guy Sebastian A Prop For The Feds? | Music News

In an interview with the Herald Sun, singer Guy Sebastian has claimed he was used as a “prop” for by the Federal Government after helping promote their $250 million arts funding package last year (June 2020), the rollout of which has been criticised by many in the industry.

“I was used as a prop by the Government to stand there and deliver an arts package but who is it helping?” Sebastian told News Corp in a Herald Sun exclusive out today. “I stood there because I genuinely thought something would happen. I’d rung all my muso friends, asked for their suggestions, and I relayed them on that Zoom call to the Prime Minister.” Sebastian initially defended his appearance at the press conference, saying his purpose was to be “a voice for the people directly affected” and to provide perspective regarding the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on the music industry.

In October of last year, Sebastian said he had pushed the PM for answers, after Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young pointed out that less than a fifth of the package had been allocated. In the Herald Sun piece, Sebastian says that despite enquiring for updates surrounding the package, it appears “no one seems to have followed through on their words or had any plans for insurance for people putting on musicals or concerts. It’s not working, obviously."

"I’m not speaking from an uneducated platform. I’ve directly watched the musicians in my band be in a position now where there’s no Government help, no JobKeeper, no finance. What are they going to do?” Sebastian said.

Last week, Shadow Minister for the Arts Tony Burke revealed that the Federal Government had only rolled out half of the funding it initially promised for the arts and entertainment sector.

"Thirteen months ago Scott Morrison and Paul Fletcher enlisted celebrities for a photo opportunity to announce the RISE grants to help get arts and entertainment organisations through the pandemic,” Burke said. 

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Homebrewed is a radio program and podcast dedicated to supporting the Australian Music Industry. Cameron Smith and Eamonn Snow have been presenting Homebrewed since November 2017 and have received excellence awards and the admiration of local bands for their presentation of Homebrewed and their continued support of the Australian music scene. This podcast is designed so you can enjoy conversations with musicians, industry representatives and music media personalities.