Due to the COVID-19 crisis, many theatre producers have been looking to stream recorded versions or live readings of plays. While the Australian Writers’ Guild is supportive of these initiatives, we also want to ensure that playwrights are being treated fairly.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the financial sustainability of our national television broadcasters, the Morrison Government today announced a suspension of content obligations until the end of this calendar year.

At a time when productions such as The Voice, Clickbait and Australia’s Got Talent, along with a number of Australian scripted dramas are shutting down in order to comply with public health warnings, organisations representing Australia’s independent producers, directors, writers, casts and crews today wrote to the Government seeking urgent support for the Australian screen industry.

We know that you are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on your long and short-term work, health and financial security. We want to reassure you that the Guild fully appreciates the gravity of the situation and its impact on our members.

During this time of uncertainty surrounding the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), our priority is to ensure the health and safety of our members, our staff, and the wider community.