Mayor Tom Tate seeks answers from US President Donald Trump after movie tariff move
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says he will personally reach out to Donald Trump after the US President’s movie tariff move - with Mr Tate saying: “You don’t take advantage of the other teammate.”
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Mayor Tom Tate says he will personally reach out to US President Donald Trump after his announcement of a 100 per cent tariff on movies made outside the US.
The Gold Coast-anchored Australian filmmaking industry risks decimation after the US President said he had authorised his commerce department and trade representative to immediately institute a 100 per cent tariff on all movies made in other countries.
At a press conference on Tuesday morning Mr Tate said the call was a “kick in the guts” for our local screen industry.
“My concern is that this sends a message that people shouldn’t film outside the US,” Mr Tate said.
“I’m one with the Prime Minister on this, on advocacy with President Trump and hopefully he can see that Australia is a friend and the best way to remain close friends is that you help each other in arts and culture.”
The newly re-elected Albanese government has vowed to protect the local industry in the face of the new tariffs.
On Monday federal Arts Minister Tony Burke said there should be “no doubt” that the federal government will stand up for the Australian screen industry.
“When it comes to the US and Australia relationship we’re one of the closest allies they have,” Mr Tate said
“Our Prime Minister will build on that. You don’t change a winning combination – you’ve got the AUKUS pact, and really, if you’re in the same guernsey you don’t take advantage of the other teammate.”
Mr Tate said he would write to President Trump to “seek his compassionate side”, “be a voice of reason” and ask Mr Trump what it is “we’ve done wrong.”
“I thought we were closely tied,” Mr Tate said.
“In that industry it should be a free-trade agreement.
“All I can do is put my pen to paper, put my best foot forward and seek his compassionate side.”
Job security for a local crew of 6000 was one of Mr Tate’s biggest concerns, with the Mayor looking into expanding the market and exploring industry ties with South East Asia and other nations, regardless of the tariff details.
“I really cherish our film industry because so many young people have entered the industry in the last five years,” he said.
“I say if anything they’re the ones who are vulnerable, that’s why I am subdued.
“The big names, the movie stars, they’re global citizens, it won’t affect them. They (local crew) may need to temporarily change course in their career and that’s disheartening for anybody.”
He added it was difficult to hypothesise potential fallout and outcomes without further details of how Trump’s tariff would work, but would navigate that alongside Screen Queensland when more information comes to light.
More Coverage
Originally published as Mayor Tom Tate seeks answers from US President Donald Trump after movie tariff move
Driver in cemetery smash goes to ground as police hunt continues
The driver of a vehicle which ploughed into a Gold Coast cemetery remains on the run from police as the clean-up effort gets underway. Read the latest
Rapist walks from court after attending Christian rehab program
A man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two of his female friends has walked from court on the Gold Coast after a judge said prison would interrupt his rehabilitation. Read what penalty he’s received instead.