A Greens MP has been ridiculed on social media for complaining that the Victorian government covers insurance costs for Puffing Billy – a beloved state-owned heritage train – but not for privately-owned live music venues.
“Not saying they shouldn’t necessarily… but they can’t cover a private coal-fired tourist train and let small live music venues go under - can they?” Located on the outskirts of Melbourne, Puffing Billy is a beloved tourist destination with photos showing countless kids hanging from the carriage windows while the steam train journey’s through the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.
“You’re right - it was clunky. I wasn’t meaning to put down Billy, but I did. I was meant to say, if state gov insures Puffing Billy, they can insure live music too,” the Greens MP said.