Iva Davies on NSW arts minister’s woes after Parliamentary Friends of Music session!

Iva Davies has commented to TMN on the woes of the NSW arts minister Don Harwin after the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Australian Music (PFOAM) event in Sydney on Wednesday night.

As reported here earlier, ICEHOUSE, KLP, William Barton, Leah Flanagan and William Crighton performed for 100 politicians and staff at NSW Parliament House between 6pm and 8pm.

Then, having got their collective ear, the musicians outlined issues as the importance of a strong live touring circuit, and support for music in a wide range of venues; music export opportunities; Australian content on radio and streaming services; music education; and the value of copyright.

It seemed that the night didn’t end well for arts minister Don Harwin, who is also the upper house leader.

After the music event, Harwin didn’t return to Parliament even though there was a late night sitting.

As a result, the House had to rise without passing laws the government wanted to be passed.

The ICEHOUSE leader quipped to TMN, “It’s good to know that members of parliament appreciate what we’re doing, and that we provided some welcome entertainment in the house.”

Harwin explained to his parliamentary colleagues, “I’m not going to beat around the bush — I did have a drink.

“During that function, there was a division.

“I came over and [was] not feeling well and I spoke with the whip and said ‘Are there any pairs because I’m not feeling well. I would prefer to go home.’”

The Opposition’s leader in the upper house, Adam Searle, was showing no sympathy.

He huffed: “The government was a shambles and the leader of the government was simply nowhere to be seen.”