For the first time in history… AUSTRALIA DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE EUROVISION 2021 GRAND FINAL!!!

This outcome was shocking, but at the same time, we’re not surprised. Some Australian fans criticized the song for not being as strong compared to her previous entry – Don’t Break Me. But just because Australians thought the song was weak, it doesn’t mean that other countries would enjoy it. After all, we can’t vote for our own country. Eurovision artists such as Dadi Freyr from Iceland and Go_A from Ukraine rooted for Australia. The act had the potential for an overseas audience.

But sadly, all dreams are dashed and to no surprise, the voting drama began. Some fans already accepted the inevitable while others did not. But I think this year, the outrage grew beyond just ‘nobody likes us’ and turned to a political blame game. That’s right, we’re blaming our Prime Minister – Scott Morrison, for not qualify.

And a lot of you may be thinking ‘that’s extreme for a hot take’ or ‘that’s stupid to blame the PM’. Some may even think ‘How is it his fault?’. I was confused as well at first. But after looking back on events concerning COVID management, travel, and support for the arts in Australia in 2020… I believe that these outraged fans have a point. It may not be Scott Morrison himself but I want to extend it to the whole Morrison Government as to why we didn’t qualify.

Eurovision 2021 and the Tokyo 2021 Olympics

For starters, Scott Morrison has prioritized sports over everything else SINCE MARCH 2020!!! Scott Morrison announced on a Friday that mass gatherings should be reduced starting on Monday. Odd since a few cases were appearing in Australia. Why wait for next week when some other countries did it instantly? Well… it turns out that mister ScoMo himself… WENT TO A SHARKS GAME ON THE SUNDAY BEFORE THE RESTRICTIONS!!!

Maybe that’s not enough evidence that he prioritize sports more than the arts. But may I remind you that Australia is still competing in this year’s Olympics, despite Japanese citizens protesting to cancel it due to the pandemic. But asides from that, it seems like the Australian Olympic Team is getting their vaccinations fast-tracked just so they can compete in the games.

The reason why Montaigne and the Australian team can’t go to Rotterdam for Eurovision is that ‘it wasn’t feasible’ according to an independent investigation. And fair enough, it is expensive to travel, let alone being able to return home and having to pay $3000 for hotel quarantine out of your own pockets. But… wouldn’t the Australian Olympic team have to go through that as well? Wouldn’t all of them also have to pay out of their own pockets when they have to quarantine back in Australia? Aren’t they also subjected to the same terms and conditions as Montaigne where they can only be in certain areas to stay safe?

How good is our quarantine system?

The reason why Montaigne and the Australian team can’t go to Rotterdam for Eurovision is that ‘it wasn’t feasible’ according to an independent investigation. And fair enough, it is expensive to travel, let alone being able to return home and having to pay $3000 for hotel quarantine out of your own pockets. But… wouldn’t the Australian Olympic team have to go through that as well? Wouldn’t all of them also have to pay out of their own pockets when they have to quarantine back in Australia? Aren’t they also subjected to the same terms and conditions as Montaigne where they can only be in certain areas to stay safe?

Monologue: India travel ban | I still call Australia home… if only they’d let me back in. | By The Feed SBS | Facebook

Speaking of quarantine… there are some issues regarding that as well. Despite Australian Health Minister, Greg Hunt declaring that he has a lot of faith in our current quarantine system, based on recent events, it’s quite evident that it’s not. For starters, may I remind you about the travel ban between India and Australia?

Despite the quarantine system being managed by the State Premiers rather than the Federal government themselves, Scott Morrison or at least his government seems to take all the credit in regards to the quarantine system. Quit saying you have ‘the best in the world when we can’t even leave the country until 2022. If it was, Australians who are in India shouldn’t be punished for returning home.

The arts mean nothing to Morrison Government

Ever since the pandemic started, the arts were severally unsupported. According to I Lost My Gig – Australia lost $345 million in revenue towards the arts and entertainment industry. People working in these industries were not supported on JobKeeper and so many people had to either find new ways to continue what they love or find new work. And despite the $250 million support package that was announced back in June 2020, only $49.5 million is as of so far been allocated. Where did the rest of the money go??? Why was there a delay?

And it’s not just the creative industries, even future students had to decide if they want to follow their creative dreams or not due to the JobReady Legislation. For those who are unaware, JobReady pretty much just increased the cost towards Arts and Humanitarian subjects in university as the government didn’t think they were ‘beneficial for the future’. You can still take them, but good luck paying twice the cost of tuition. This pissed off a lot of future HSC students and some politicians. Pretty much, the Australian Government is choosing STEM or education rather than fostering future leaders of our country.

Now you see why people are blaming him?

Based on his previous decisions and actions during the pandemic and right straight after, I wouldn’t be surprised if our loss was due to the incompetence of the Morrison Government. Australia had to present a video performance shot in Sydney with less time to prepare and rehearse. You have no idea how much of a disadvantage we were in.

And I say this because ICELAND WILL ALSO HAVE TO PRESENT ON VIDEO!!! And the difference between the two is that they’re using rehearsal footage shot in Rotterdam. Not to mention, they had more practice and time to prepare. Do you know how unfair that is?!?! But whatever, it is clear where Scott Morrison and his governments’ priorities lie. It’s always about the sports teams rather than the arts.

Is it really Scott Morrison’s fault that we’re not in the Eurovision 2021 Grand Finals?

But maybe you don’t agree with me and that’s fair. Our song wasn’t as strong compared to last year, our staging wasn’t great, and we’re up against stronger acts. But the fans have a point when they point the finger at Scott Morrison as to why Montaigne didn’t qualify for the Eurovision 2021 Grand Finals. And not gonna lie, I wouldn’t be surprised if the EBU no longer allows Australia to compete after 2023.