With JobKeeper ending on the 28th March 2021, many businesses and industries are bracing for further economic upheaval to their ability to survive; with local, independent cinemas expecting to be amongst the hardest hit.
This however need not be the case if Scott Morrison provided adequate and reliable support to businesses and households, according to Dr Mike Freelander MP, Federal Member for Macarthur.
As such, Independent Cinemas Australia has launched Independent Cinemas Week to draw attention to local operators who provide our communities with much needed entertainment.
Dr Freelander visited local independent operator and community icon, Dumaresq Street Cinema, on Tuesday to lend his support to the business which is amongst the many 700 screen operators bracing for the daunting financial impact due to Scott Morrison’s inaction.
The Member for Macarthur spoke with owners Stuart Lane and Adam Moore regarding the importance of the film industry and how Dumaresq Street Cinema has been hard hit during the pandemic and economic fallout.
“At a time when entertainment has provided millions of Australians with a much-needed distraction from the pandemic, it is shameful that Scott Morrison has chosen not to extend a lifeline to these much loved and appreciated operators.” said the Member for Macarthur.
Local cinemas provide employment opportunities for staff and generate further financial returns for restaurants and other businesses situated around their premises.
With March approaching and the subsequent termination of JobKeeper on the horizon, many cinemas now face the prospect of going under if they do not receive support
“As a parent and grandparent, I know how valuable cinemas like Dumaresq Street have been to my family and hundreds of other Macarthur households in creating memories and providing entertainment over many decades.”
Dr Freelander went on to state that it is imperative that the Government do what it can to help Australian businesses and workers across all industries during this economically devastating time.
