COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR AWG MEMBERS

As we continue to learn more about the spread of COVID-19 and its impact on everyday life, we recognise that members are concerned about their long and short-term work, health, and financial security.

We’ve compiled the following resources to help you find the most relevant information. We will continue to update this list as more is made available.

AWG Industrial Services

While COVID-19 presents unique challenges to our industry, this doesn’t change the fact that all writers should continue to receive fair remuneration for their work.

AWG members can access our full range of industrial resources, including rates and contracts, via the membership portal on our website, and our Industrial team continue to work normal hours remotely to offer industrial advice. Industrial can be contacted at  industrial@awg.com.au.

Latest AWG updates:

• 16 March 2020 Temporary shutdown of AWG and AWGACS office space in response to COVID-19
• 19 March 2020 COVID-19: Update for members
• 20 March 2020 Australian screen industry bands together to seek Government support
• 15 April 2020 AWG on quotas, SVODs and the Arts crisis
• 24 April 2020 AWG Theatre streaming guidelines

For information on health and COVID-19:

• Australian Government COVID-19 health alert.
• Health Direct – Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• World Health Organisation COVID-19 resource page.
• Head to your state/territory Department of Health website for their latest alerts.

For mental health and wellbeing resources:

• Head to Health have a directory of websites and resources available to all Australians with mental health concerns or looking to manage anxiety around COVID-19.
• Beyond Blue have posted a guide to looking after your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Mindspot have a dedicated page with resources.
• Ben Steel talks to Screen Australia about mental health in the entertainment industry and isolation.
• Support Act is a free wellbeing helpline available to all artists and arts workers across Australia. Call #1800 959 500 to discuss any aspect of your mental health or wellbeing with qualified clinicians who understand the particular challenges of a career in the arts, especially during these difficult times.

For screen and stage industry updates:

• Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher has released a statement addressing the impact of COVID-19 on our cultural and creative industries (16 March 2020). 
• Live Performance Australia are calling on state and federal cultural ministers to step up and provide support for the industry, including an $850m live performance support and stimulus package.
• Australia Council are regularly updating their website with information and useful resources for the Arts community.  
• Screen Australia have released the following statement on their current operations and funding (29 April 2020).
• MEAA have posted a resource page, including information on rights at work.
• Screen Producers Australia have launched a screen industry survey to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the industry.
• Head to your state/territory funding agency website for their latest alerts and guidelines.

For information on finances:

• The Australian Government Treasury have posted a guide to their Economic Response to the Coronavirus, including the two stimulus packages.
• The Australian Tax Office have information tailored for individuals and businesses experiencing difficulties with tax obligations relating to COVID-19.
• For information on JobKeeper go here. 
• For information on JobSeeker go here. 
• Media Super have posted an update on the impact of Coronavirus on superannuation.

Further resources

• For information on COVID-19 and travel, head to Smart Traveller. As of 25 March 2020, the Australian Government has placed a ban on international travel. For those already overseas and wishing to return to Australia, it is recommended that you do so as soon as possible.
• Student Members are advised to check in with their places of learning and follow their recommended practices regarding class attendance, study and assessments.