The Morrison Government has forgotten the plight of Australia’s independent cinema sector, which is warning many cinemas could go under when JobKeeper ends next month.

To mark a week of action by independent cinemas to draw attention to the dire situation faced by the sector, Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP has been visiting cinemas across the South Coast to hear their stories.

“The independent cinemas sector is an industry that has been largely been ignored by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mrs Phillips said.

Fiona Phillips met with the owner of the Huskisson Pictures and Inlet Cinema yesterday and will today meet with the owners of the Arcadia Cinema in Ulladulla and the Perry Street Cinema in Batemans Bay.

“All our independent cinemas are beloved in our communities – they create jobs and tourism at the same time as being popular, affordable local attractions. They deserve to be heard by the Morrison Government,” Fiona Phillips said.

Independent cinemas are a vital part of the screen ecosystem, helping Australian stories reach the regional communities like those on the South Coast.

“Many local independent cinemas have told me they are in danger of going under if they do not receive ongoing support beyond the JobKeeper cliff at the end of March. But where is the government’s plan to stop this from happening?” Fiona Phillips questioned.

Scott Morrison cannot ignore this sector and its pleas for help.

Independent cinemas provide communities around Australia with both local jobs and Australian stories – both of these are too important to lose. It is time for the Morrison Government to act.