The Victorian government’s announcement of $20m in Event Assistance is a modest, but long needed, step in the right direction.  

It is also a very welcome acknowledgement of our Event Industry – an industry that makes such a huge contribution to life in Victoria.

It is a direct response to the extensive lobbying that has been done by Save Victorian Events and others in recent weeks.  But it is also in response to members of the event industry telling their real stories to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry and to the media.

Until today, there really hasn’t been any targeted financial support to people and businesses in Victoria’s event industry – despite it being one of the very hardest hit industries.

We are also pleased to say that the $190 million in direct support to businesses affected by the lockdown – with grants of $2,500 – has been extended to include sole traders to ensure that as many event industry businesses as possible are eligible for this grant.  Again, in direct response to feedback from the event industry.

Save Victorian Events has never stopped advocating for much needed support for people and businesses in our industry.

We know that the government will continue to consult with the event industry about the best way to implement this Event Assistance.  And, hope that the government will support Covid cancel event insurance to encourage more events to happen.

We also ask the government to set up an Event Industry Recovery Taskforce to immediately start work on practical measures to support the Event Industry, to minimise the loss of events, and to start on recovery. 

A taskforce comprising members of the Event Industry, DJPR, DH and chaired by a Minister.  The obvious Minister would be Jaala Pulford as she is the senior member of the government who has met with the Event Industry.

This was one of our key recommendations to the current Inquiry (see attached).

This is a very simple thing that can happen quickly.  There is not a minute to waste.  

Today is an important step forward for Victoria’s Event Industry, and we welcome the Victorian government’s announcement of $20 million in Events Assistance and their acknowledgement of our Event Industry.