Australians who make their living working in the arts have been flooding social media all week with images of their work to try to get the government’s attention and force them to act on the dire situation confronting our nation’s arts sector as a result of the Covid-19 shut down

I’ve heard from dozens of members of our community this week who just want the way they earn a living to be treated in the same way as other Australians who have lost their livelihoods in this crisis.

I know that the arts are bigger than even that though - it’s fundamental to what makes life worthwhile - human connection and empathy.

Our artists - painters, visual artists, musicians, singers, song writers, poets, writers, actors, directors, puppeteers and all the rest

- help us to understand ourselves and each other. It’s something precious that’s worth preserving when times are tough.

Especially when times are tough.

Labor heard the Australian arts community this week. Our Shadow Minister for the Arts, @Tony_Burke and Labor MPs have been fighting in Parliament today to try to get the government to change course.

Unfortunately the government hasn’t listened. It’s bitterly disappointing and I fear that we will be suffering the consequences of this short sightedness and narrow mindedness long after this crisis is over.

So tonight I want to recognise the artists in our community.

I know you’re hurting and scared at the moment.

I’m sorry we didn’t win the day.

But please know that we see you and we’ll keep fighting for you.