Omicron variant pushes live sector to repeat calls for insurance scheme

Multiple Australian live music and entertainment bodies have again called for a government-backed insurance scheme in light of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

AAM, AFA, ALMBC, AMIN, APRA AMCOS, ARIA, PPCA and Live Performance Australia said Omicron has the industry on high alert, after five cases were found in Australia at the time of writing.

The live music sector have long been pushing for an insurance scheme backed by the federal government, applauding the Victorian state government’s newly announced scheme this month.

Representatives of these bodies say that thousands of industry workers, from artists to crew, are under threat from new variants like Omicron and any border closures that might follow.

“The emergence of this new variant on the heels of Delta and the rapid global response to limit its spread is a salutary reminder that this is not over yet,” they said.

“For an industry getting back on its feet, investing nationally and working hard to get shows back on stage and touring, the ongoing threat of future business disruption is very real.”

The sector is calling for unity and inviting all levels of government to work together to help deliver a scheme that would help the industry rebuild and maintain employment.

Insurance schemes have been implemented in other countries, including the UK where the government announced a £750 million (A$1.41 billion) Live Events Reinsurance Scheme.