Music industry raises voice to support Aussie artists
Keira Jenkins |
Australian musicians are topping charts, headlining festivals and shaping the industry, but that success won’t last without investment, a group of music organisations have warned.
Nineteen industry groups are urging investment in the music sector, saying it is one of Australia’s greatest cultural assets, driving jobs in tourism and hospitality – but outdated regulations mean local artists’ jobs are at risk.
“Australian music is part of who we are as a nation,” said Dean Ormston, the chief executive of music rights body APRA AMCOS said.
“It connects us, it tells our stories, and it supports thousands of jobs across every community.”
The organisations have called for a number of initiatives, including tax rebates for venues, festivals and artists, strengthening copyright laws and ensuring AI transparency, and modernising content quotas to ensure local music is played on air.
“Right now, our artists and songwriters are making their mark on the global stage, but they need strong foundations at home to keep creating and building sustainable careers,” Mr Ormston said.
“With the right investment and policy settings, Australia can become a net exporter of music — growing jobs, strengthening our global voice, and ensuring that Australian music is heard, valued and supported here and around the world.”
The Greens have backed part of the plan, saying they will push for tax offsets for live music venues, touring artists and theatre productions.
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the policy would provide a boost for the arts sector.
“The arts play a critical role in telling the stories of Australia and our people – we must do whatever we can to keep these venues open and support the rise of local creatives,” she said.
Neither the Coalition nor Labor have announced an arts policy to date in the election campaign.
However, the March budget included $8.6 million to continue the government’s five-year Revive Live program, launched in 2023, to provide grants for live music venues and festivals that showcased Australian artists.
Live music has been facing an uncertain future nationwide, with rising costs, punters leaving ticket purchases to the last minute and venue closures all raised in a recent inquiry into the challenges in the industry.
While programs aimed at supporting live music, like the government grants are welcome, Australian Festival Association managing director said these initiatives need to be extended.
“We have a great opportunity to build on the support for the Australian music industry in the next term of parliament,” he said.
“Festivals across Australia provide the stages that enable local artists to grow their audience and make it in a more globalised music industry.”
AAP
