Our Government recognises the importance of Tasmania’s cultural and creative sector, and have provided significant support to artists and arts organisations during what has been a challenging 12 months for the sector.

I recently had a constructive meeting with theatre representatives where it was agreed that we will continue to work together to a pathway forward for theatres that is COVID safe.

Today I am pleased to announce that Tasmania will be in a position to adopt the National recommendation and move to 100 per cent seating capacity in theatres and sporting venues indoor and outdoor across the state by early next month.

The advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee to National Cabinet today, was that if community transmission remains contained and we continue to manage international arrivals, then ticketed venues will be able to move to 100 per cent seating capacity.

This is great news and a huge step forward for our vibrant local arts sector and sporting venues.

Public Health will work closely with venues to ensure they have COVID safe plans so that as many Tasmanians as possible can enjoy our local productions and events in a COVID safe way.

I would like to remind Tasmanians that we are in a good place, and I thank them for their hard work and the sacrifices they have made to get us here.