Guy Sebastian puts pressure on Scott Morrison after ‘backlash’

Guy Sebastian says artists are right to want answers from Scott Morrison about where their funding is, as the singer announces more dates on his November tour.

Guy Sebastian says Aussie musos need answers from the PM. Picture: Steven Chee

Singer Guy Sebastian has backed the arts industry calling out the Morrison Government’s lack of support.

Sebastian copped “the worst backlash of my career” after an unpaid appearance with the Prime Minister in June to announce $250 million of emergency funding for the arts.

Questions still remain about the rollout of that funding, while fears remain about how the arts industry – which is still yet to return to full capacity – will cope once JobKeeper ends next month.

“The people demanding answers are right,” Sebastian told News Corp. “We need to demand answers; the Government needs to figure out a tangible way of getting this money into the hands of people who really need it.

Guy Sebastian is extending his November tour. Picture: Steven Chee

“Announcing a funding package is all good. I don’t think anyone had any bad intentions, it’s a case of knowing how to filter that money out. When you look at it from the music industry perspective you think how is there not somebody in there who knows how to tackle this issue?

“They need a plan beyond JobKeeper. If the plan was ‘We’re just going to keep you guys in the arts alive during JobKeeper’ I feel we’re better than that as a nation. So many people are going to fall through the cracks. We need to pay more respect to the arts. It’s a massive industry for more than just monetary reasons. It is the heart and soul of how we live.

“The arts industry will fall off the cliff when JobKeeper ends. We have made the Government very aware of that, we’ve told them about the ramifications, they’re pretty obvious. Nothing has changed for the people employed in the arts, it’s not like they’ve had major opportunities come up.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and singer Guy Sebastian in June. Pic: AAP

Sebastian said despite the backlash, he has “no regrets” about appearing with Morrison and has contacted the Prime Minster’s office for updates on the funding rollout.

“I don’t think I was used as a pawn or anything, I don’t see any other option when you’re trying to get funds for people in an industry that is bleeding and hurting, he’s the top dog, he’s the man that makes the calls.”

Sebastian has an arena tour in November for his No. 1 T.R.U.T.H album which has just added third shows in Sydney and Melbourne – and is keen to give his band and crew steady work again.

“Last year when I announced the tour there was so much uncertainty, I wasn’t sure if I could sell even one show this far out so to be adding third shows in Melbourne and Sydney is confirmation people are desperate to see music again.”.

Guy Sebastian new shows – Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney November 14, Margaret Court Arena Melbourne November 21. On sale Monday, details www.teglive.com.au

New Voice coaches Keith Urban, Rita Ora, Jess Mauboy and Guy Sebastian. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Originally published as Guy Sebastian puts pressure on Scott Morrison after ‘backlash’