TEG, Live Nation, Frontier & Chugg welcome Govt's $250M package

The Live Entertainment Industry Forum (LEIF), which represents Australia’s largest live event businesses, has welcomed the Federal Government’s $250 million creative economy package.

LEIF applauded the Government in particular for its $75 million for live music, the $90 million pledged in loans, and its commitment to a roadmap to recovery for the sector.

But the newly-formed organisation also acknowledged that "there is still a long way to go" until the show can get back on the road and events become economically viable for the sector.

Australia’s biggest music, sport and entertainment promoters hired former Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland on June 6 to restart the $150 billion live events industry.

“Today’s announcement by the Morrison Government is a great start to getting the sector back on track," Sutherland said in a statement on Thursday (June 25).

"I thank the PM for recognising the serious business of entertainment that employs hundreds of thousands of jobs and makes a significant contribution to the Australian way of life."

Sutherland also said that LEIF - which includes concert promoters TEG, Live Nation, Frontier, Chugg, AEG Presents and WME - remain focussed on the safety of punters when events return.

“LEIF is working with the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee to develop nationally approved high-level principles for a safe return to large venues," he said.

"LEIF is also working with State and Territory Governments’ Chief Health Officers to tailor those principles to meet each State and Territory’s needs."

The forum is working with governments, sporting bodies, venues and audiences to "build confidence" in the industry’s preparedness to operate safely after restrictions ease.