Consultation commences on Tasmanian Events Framework to support arts, events, sport and tourism sectors

The Tasmanian Government is developing the 'COVID-19 Safe Events and Activities Framework' to support its arts, events, sport and tourism sectors in the planning and holding of their events from 1st December 2020.

Prior to the new COVID normal, Tasmania delivered a range of festivals and events which contributed significant economic and social benefits to the State. These events are a key priority in rebuilding visitation as part of the Tasmanian Government’s T21 Visitor Economy Action Plan.

While events won’t be held in the same way, the framework will allow event organisers to apply to have greater numbers of attendees and to host a range of events and activities in different settings in a COVIDSafe way.

Tasmanian Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events, Sarah Courtney advises “as we move to the next stage of our recovery, many Tasmanians are looking forward to being able to enjoy larger live events. To help us achieve this in a new COVID normal and safe way, we are developing a framework to support event organisers to plan and hold their events from 1st December 2020.

“Comprising of three levels, which must still comply with existing density and physical distancing requirements, the COVID-19 Safe Events and Activities Framework in Tasmania has been developed to support the sport, arts, events and tourism sectors, and is consistent with World Health Organisation, Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, and Public Health Services advice.”

Minister Courtney added “in speaking with many event companies and organisers during the past six months, I know this framework will be a welcome step forward as it will provide a clear set of expectations and a level of certainty so the professional and community event sector can now plan for future events.

“Tasmanians love their events, whether it’s a local footy game, theatre production or favourite food and wine festival, and as we move towards the commencement of larger scale events I encourage Tasmanians to show their support, be responsible and to follow COVIDSafe behaviours to keep doing the things we love."

Tasmanian Minister for Arts, Elise Archer also noted “due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our most loved arts, cultural and creative, community and sporting events have been cancelled or postponed during 2020.

“Tasmanians have played a crucial role in reducing the risk of COVID-19 in our State and it’s because of this hard work we are now in a position to start planning larger events once again.

“Events under all three levels of the Framework must still comply with existing density and physical distancing requirements.

“All events will also need to have a COVID-19 safety plan to give patrons maximum confidence that they can attend arts and cultural events safely.”

Minister Archer added “we all have a responsibility to keep on top of COVID-19, and the Framework provides a welcome roadmap towards reopening our live performance sector again.

More details regarding the framework and the process to register and seek approval for events will be made available in the coming week.

For more information please visit: www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/eventsframework

Image: The Mona Foma festival is aiming to be held in 2021 in Launceston 15th to 17th January and in Hobart 22nd to 24th January. As festival director Brian Ritchie notes “today’s situation requires novel festival solutions. Join us in breaking new ground.”