Earlier this year, Guy Sebastian was lambasted for appearing alongside Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a press conference where he revealed the arts sector would receive a $250 million relief package to help recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
Now, Sebastian is pushing for answers from ScoMo after less than a fifth of the package has actually been allocated.
As The Guardian reports, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young pointed out that only $49.5 million of the package has actually been released, and that was to help underwrite the film industry which currently faces an insurance crisis.
“Remember that fancy press conference Scott Morrison did with Guy Sebastian promising money to help artists during Covid?” Hanson-Young tweeted.
“Well guess what? Still nothing has been spent.”
After other Twitter users rallied behind the senator, Sebastian chimed in.
“I have requested an update from the PM’s office about the current and future spend with regards to the arts package,” Sebastian said.
“Once I receive the most recent information, I will pass it on. I have no ties to anyone in politics on a personal or professional level.”
He then went on to say, “My only objective in getting involved was to be a mouthpiece for my peers, to provide perspective, & to help get funds into the hands of those who need it.
“My heart breaks for this industry & what everyone has had to endure. I will continue to do what I can to help get people back on their feet.”
If only someone had warned Sebastian that this might happen…
View the tweets below.
Remember that fancy press conference @ScottMorrisonMP did with @GuySebastian promising money to help artists during Covid?
Well guess what? Still nothing has been spent, and no money has been given to save jobs in the arts. Nothing. pic.twitter.com/jgExSiYdLN— ?? Sarah Hanson-Young (@sarahinthesen8) October 21, 2020
In getting involved was to be a mouthpiece for my peers, to provide perspective, & to help get funds into the hands of those who need it. My heart breaks for this industry & what everyone has had to endure. I will continue to do what I can to help get people back on their feet.
— Guy Sebastian (@GuySebastian) October 21, 2020
