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Now that lockdown 4.0 has been renewed for a second season of air time we thought it a great idea to showcase and support some of the city’s incredible local talent. It’s no secret that the Arts and Hospitality industries were among those most severely devastated by the Victorian government’s harsh repeat lockdowns.
Five months into 2021, and it seemed like things were well on their way to returning to how things used to be. Gigs were back! By no means at the level they once were, before all the destruction caused by the pandemic; but they were back!
Then suddenly, seemingly without warning, the state of Victoria was thrust back into the confines of their home and the groundhog day-esque lifestyle. Gigs were being cancelled left right and centre, and we were all feeling pretty cruddy. Some resolute performers were able to push on with optimism, rescheduling their performances for the following week, unable to entertain the idea of the end time of this circuit breaker lockdown being extended for another period of time.
The Arts and Hospitality industries were not the only sectors set to suffer from the lack of warning given by the Victorian state government. Some school principals were notified by the government that their students would be returning to online learning and that their school grounds would become pupil free zones only hours before the lockdown was scheduled to commence.
This lack of communication and aforethought displayed by the government’s actions shows a blatant apathy for the very people they are attempting to protect. Whilst the reasons for the measures set in place are warranted and the risk is high, compassion and care for everyone and all parties involved should not be abandoned in the pursuit of eradicating this virus.
In an attempt to stimulate the industries most affected by this circuit breaker lockdown the Victorian government has announced a $250 million support package, and asked the Federal government to follow suit. However, the Federal government has been upfront in regard to their reluctance to provide assistance to Victorians through means of financial support.
“Our approaches will continue to be national, sustainable and where support is offered, it’s through existing systems.” – Josh Frydenburg MP
The federal government is unwilling to provide incentives for states to recommence lockdowns similar to those implemented in 2020, and rightly so. Victorians know all too well the implications generated by state and city lockdowns; with or without financial support from the Federal Government. Lockdown 4.0 is a directive of the state government, so why should the Federal government be expected to provide them with yet another bailout and consequently set a standard for all other states and territories.
Ignoring the detriment of a lockdown and only focusing on Covid-19’s rate of transmission is a gross short sight. In a report published this year by ‘Equity Economics’ they estimate homelessness to rise by 9% nationwide, as well as projecting a 24% increase in Housing Stress. Which they stated would result in 880, 000 families struggling financially. Low interest rates such as those we as a nation have enjoyed since the beginning of the pandemic’s devastation in March 2020, will not last forever. And when they begin to rise so too will mortgage interest rates, and additionally the percentage of citizens unable to meet the rise in repayments.
Since the beginning of the state debacle that is the repeat lockdown of city and state, we have witnessed the Victorian state government deny, blame and justify. Their rhetoric and deployment of ‘Hegelian Dialectic’ has not gone unnoticed. Their inability to take accountability for the measures sanctioned by their own office is appalling to say the least.
When will this end?
No one really has a definite answer to that question. But until it does we can at least take comfort in the music provided to us by the best musicians in the world; Melbourne’s.
Songwriters Lounge will be compiling
a top 10 selection of the month featuring local artists, bands and other independent performers. Please send your bios and links to jordan@thenextrushmagazine.com for consideration
Previous Music articles:
- 25 years of Hard Rock Cafe, Surfers Paradise
- 7 Bangin’ tracks by indie artists across Australia
- Gigaton: Pearl Jam’s New Album
- Nirvana: Smells like teen spirit hits 1 billion views on YouTube
- Listen Up Songwriter’s Festival: The Melbourne Round
- Drewboy (MAFS): Healing the pain through melody
- Aviici: Tim – The Final Album
- Rufus du Sol – Vivid Sydney
- Music Hoarders – Showcasing unsigned, unheard artists – Free EP
- Powderfinger celebrated in Sounds of Australia
Cover Image: Edward Eyer / Pexels
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