SBS had been applying for permits to film a series in Inala, but Quirk wasn’t having a bar of it after seeing how the show affected the reputation of Mount Druitt in Sydney last season.
According to news.com.au the network had revealed last month it was gearing up for round two, citing Victoria and Queensland as its next targets, but it could be old Vic that takes the heat with Quirk putting a stop to any sort of filming here.
“I have absolutely no problem with the highlighting of the issues of social and economic disadvantage in Australia,” Quirk told the Brisbane City Council chamber on Tuesday, after refusing permits for SBS filming.
“However, having viewed Struggle Street and having observed the way in which Mt Druitt’s reputation was damaged in the so-called name of shining a light on social and economic disadvantage, I have come to the view that I will not co-operate with the process and production of a film that could similarly cause damage to reputation both to the suburb and to the people of Inala.”
Quirk added that the council was powerless to prevent producers going ahead with the production on residents’ private properties, in which case that’s “a matter for them”, but the Mayor for one would “not be providing council assistance”.
The new series of Struggle Street will hit your telly screens later next year.
