Page updated 29-10-2020
State-by-State Information
Find the most up-to-date information relating to COVID-19 status and restrictions for your State below.
In addition, LPA has developed a useful Summary Matrix which briefly outlines all density restrictions for venues and presenters, and border restrictions.
LPA has also put together a Restrictions and Roadmaps – Jurisdictions resource that summarises COVID-19 restrictions and roadmaps across all states and territories.
Financial Support
We’ve created a summary of federal and state by state funding opportunities here:
GOVERNMENT COVID-19 FUNDING ROUND UP
Get in touch with your state-based arts agencies and review the latest information:
Federal Arts Sector Recovery Package
Minister Paul Fletcher has released the guidelines for the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund and COVID-19 Arts Sustainability Fund (Sustainability Fund). You can find a media release here, and full information on the guidelines here.
JobKeeper Information
Find the most up-to-date information on JobKeeper Payments on the ATO website here.
You can download the Treasury fact sheet here.
PAC Australia Guidelines for COVID-Safe Theatres
The national guidelines for COVID-Safe Theatres, prepared by PAC Australia, are now available.
You can download the document in full here and more information on the creation and context of the document is available here.
PAC Australia would like to acknowledge the contributions of Kim Tran (Live Performance Australia), Simon Hinton (Merrigong Theatre), Shauna Weekes and Glenn Hall (Perth Theatre Trust) and Ross Farnell (through his engagement with VAPAC to develop the VIC resources).
General Guidelines for Reopening
Some relevant resources from friends and members:
- LPA has released a COVID-19 Safety Plan Template.
- LPA has created a Summary Matrix outlining COVID-19 density restrictions and border restrictions (updated 13-10-2020).
- LPA has provided communications about COVID Safe Guidelines, which can assist in developing COVID Safety Plans.
- C!RCA have made their COVID-Safe Plan publicly available, which is an excellent example for producing companies. Download here.
- The Australia Council have launched Re-activate – a user friendly guide for independent artists and organisations to recommence their practice.
- VAPAC have released A Safe Guide for Re-Opening Performing Arts Venues (link is for Version 2.3 updated 4-8-2020).
- Black Swan State Theatre Company have shared their Return to Work Plan.
- For members also operating gallery spaces, the Museums and Galleries QLD Safety Plan is a useful resource.
- Return To Dance – Ausdance have released principles and frameworks for restarting dance activities. Read more here.
- Create NSW have delivered a COVID Safety Plan for Cinemas, Theatres and Concert Halls. FAQ’s related to the plan can be found here. A webinar recording from Create NSW including a representative from NSW Health can also be viewed found here
- The team at Stage QLD have done a phenomenal job delivering their Industry Plan for QLD Live Performance Venues (updated 23-10-2020).
- Arts Centre Melbourne and VAPAC have shared a comprehensive Return To Work document.
- LPA have pulled together a summary of the state-by-state contact tracing requirements.
- The Australia Council have released their latest document in support of COVID-Recovery: Re-Activate: Beyond Step Three.
- Some great examples of communications to audiences and patrons regarding reopening can be found via Civic Theatre Wagga Wagga’s COVID-Safe video and a video from Civic Theatre Wagga Wagga’s COVID-Safe video.
Resources for Venues & Orgs
National Gig-Ready Dashboard – 14 Aug 2020
The Australian Live Music Business Council have released their National Gig-Ready Dashboard. Although heavily skewed towards music venues, it is an excellent, live resource for monitoring recovery phases, physical distancing requirements and other COVID-19 related restrictions on a state by state basis.
Access the dashboard for free here.
Snapshot Of Current Presenter Intent For 2021/22
On 7/5/2020 PAC Australia polled our presenter members as to their current response to programming and plans moving forward.
You can view the results so far here.
PAC Australia Resources
If you’re looking for frameworks, metrics and useful language when quantifying your venue’s impact on and outcomes for your local community, be sure to reference our Performing Spaces guide. This guide was developed primarily for local government senior management, to assist them to grow community wellbeing through their performing arts centres and facilities.
Our most recent Economic Activity Report, which measures the scale of operations and economic activity of performing arts centres nationally may also be of use.
World Health Organisation – Advice & Downloads
Concise and up-to-date information on daily life during the COVID-19 outbreak is available here on the World Health Organisation’s website.
It includes an extensive library of downloads such as posters, flyers and fact sheets you might like to put up in your office or any public spaces.
Risk Management Plan – Example
Arts Centre Melbourne have generously shared a coronavirus inclusive Risk Management Plan, which you may also find useful. You can download it here.
Business Continuity Plan – Template
The Queensland Government has download it here on their website.
Support Act Arts Wellbeing Collective
You can find the Arts Wellbeing Collective Helpline poster available to download here.
Additional Support Act resources, including additional signs and poster downloads, are available here.
Work Health and Safety Incident Notification
With thanks to LPA for providing this information.
There are certain requirements regarding work health safety (WHS) incident notifications for COVID-19 in each state, including how to notify the WorkSafe Authority and when notification is required. In all states and territories, a notification must be made to the WorkSafe Authority, regardless of whether the relevant Health Authority is already aware of the case.
VICTORIA
Employers and self-employed people are required to notify WorkSafe Victoria immediately when they become aware that an employee, independent contractor or employee of an independent contractor has:
- received a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and has attended the workplace within the infectious period.
LPA has previously advised Members that employers in Victoria who fail to notify WorkSafe Victoria can be fined $39,652 for individuals and $198,264 for a company.
Notifications can be made to WorkSafe Victoria by phone on 13 23 60, or by the online Confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis reporting form.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Employers and self-employed people are required to notify WorkSafe ACT immediately:
- of a serious injury or illness of a person, including any confirmed case of COVID-19 arising out of work, and
- if it is suspected that a person may have contracted COVID-19 and requires treatment in hospital.
The fine for failure to notify WorkSafe ACT is $10,000 for individuals and $50,000 for a company.
Notifications can be made to WorkSafe ACT by phone on 13 22 81, or by completing an online Notifiable Incident Report.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Employers and self-employed people must notify SafeWork NSW of:
- a serious injury or illness of a person, including any confirmed case of COVID-19 arising out of work, and
- a person requiring treatment as an in-patient in a hospital for a COVID-19 infection which arose out of work.
The fine for failure to notify Worksafe NSW is $10,00 for an individual and $50,000 for a company.
Notifications can be made to WorkSafe NSW by phone on 13 10 50.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Employers and self-employed people must notify NT WorkSafe where:
- a person dies from a COVID-19 infection which arose out of work; and
- a person requires treatment as an in-patient in a hospital for a COVID-19 infection which arose out of work.
The fine for failure to notify NT WorkSafe is $720 for individuals and $3,600 for a company.
Notifications can be made to NT WorkSafe by phone on 1800 019 115.
QUEENSLAND
Employers and self-employed people must notify Workplace Health and Safety Queensland of:
- a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 as diagnosed by a medical practitioner which arose out of work that requires a person to have treatment as an in-patient in a hospital.
The fine for failure to notify Workplace Health and Safety Queensland can be fined, on-the-spot, $720 for individuals and $3,600 for a company.
Notifications can be made to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland by phone on 1300 362 128.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Employers and self-employed people must notify SafeWork SA of a confirmed case of COVID-19 that can be attributed to a workplace exposure, and either:
- a person is required to have treatment as an in-patient in a hospital; or
- a person dies from a COVID-19 infection.
The fine for failure to notify SafeWork SA can be fined $600 for individuals and $3,000 for a company.
Notifications can be made to SafeWork SA by phone on 1300 365 255, or by completing an online Notifiable Incident Report.
TASMANIA
Employers and self-employed people must notify WorkSafe Tasmania immediately, when it is confirmed that a person contracted COVID-19 carrying out work, and:
- the person dies; or
- the person is required to have treatment as an in-patient in a hospital.
The fine for failure to notify WorkSafe Tasmania can be fined $10,000 for individuals and $50,000 for a company.
Notifications can be made to WorkSafe Tasmania by phone on 1300 366 322, or by submitting an Incident Notice Form to:
- Email: wstinfo@justice.tas.gov.au; or
- Post: PO Box 56, Rosny Park TAS 7018
- Fax: (03) 6173 0206
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Employers and self-employed people must notify WorkSafe WA, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, (the Department) when:
- a case of COVID-19 is the cause, or suspected cause, of death at a workplace.
Notification is not required for non-fatal incidents of COVID-19.
Employers who fail to notify the Department can be fined $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for a company.
Notifications can be made to the Department by phone on 1800 678 198.
Audience Outlook Monitor – Getting Audiences Back
Phase Three Results Available Now
Data collection for Phase Three took place in September 2020 and the results are now available.
- Download the Snapshot Report.
- Access the Updated Dashboard.
- An archive recording of the Phase 2 Results webinar can be found here.
LPA Refunds & Exchanges Guidance
Live Performance Australia has developed guidance for ticket refunds and exchanges in a COVID-19 environment. You can download the guidance document here.
Music Licensing Update / Live-Streaming Performances
The streaming of performances, show excerpts, archive recordings or work-in-development showings, among others, has raised many queries regarding licensing of copyrighted music works for these purposes.
We encourage you to be in touch with APRA AMCOS (for Dramatic Context) or OneMusic to discuss your circumstances and requirements.
Senate Inquiry
On 8 April, the Senate resolved to establish a Select Committee on COVID-19 to inquire into the Australian Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. PAC Australia has made a submission to the inquiry, primarily focussed on the impact of COVID-19 on performing arts venues and presenters and the ongoing viability issues that our sector will continue to face while the rest of the economy restarts. You can review the submission here. (Note: submissions closed on 28 May, but PAC Australia received an extension to submit by 11 June).
Look After Your Mental Health
The Arts Wellbeing Collective has launched its first season of Mental Health Matinées, a series of online presentations promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in the performing arts. Every session is free to attend. Simply register online to receive the Zoom link.
Entertainment Assist have created a short series of free mental health webinars, in a program called Intermission. Topics include isolation, finance, healthy habits and sleep.
FutureLearn have compiled a collection of free online courses in their Support Your Mental Health In Lockdown series, featuring topics such as the work-life balance, professional resilience and COVID-19 specific analysis and tips.
Beyond Blue have put together this excellent resource on how to look after your mental health during these strange and difficult times.
The Arts Wellbeing Collective is also available if you need to brush up on some useful self-care techniques, or call their hotline if you need someone to talk to. The AWC has also collected a series of resources you might find useful which you can find right here.
You can find the Arts Wellbeing Collective Helpline poster available to download here. Additional Support Act resources, including additional signs and poster downloads, are available here.