Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Cormann, the Minister representing the Prime Minister. Do actions speak louder than words?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hanson-Young, a supplementary question?

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Back in June, the Prime Minister stood with Guy Sebastian and promised a COVID package for the arts, yet nothing has flowed—nice words, no action. Why?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I completely disagree with the premise of the question. We have provided substantial support for the arts sector. Large parts of the arts and entertainment sector are receiving substantial support through JobKeeper. There was also an announcement in relation to a package to help with recovery in what is an important sector in our economy, and of course that is being implemented as planned.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hanson-Young, a final supplementary question?

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Two weeks ago the secretary of the Prime Minister's department told a Senate committee that the money promised by the Prime Minister would not flow until restrictions were lifted. No money has been spent—nice words, no action. What are you doing?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I again reject the premise of the question, and I refer the senator to my answer to the first supplementary question.