Federal Election: Advocacy Group Highlights Australian Music Industry's Plight

Chloe Fitzgerald

6 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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Funding and Support for Australian Artists

The Australian Music Industry faces a significant funding gap compared to its international counterparts. Insufficient government support hinders the growth and sustainability of Australian musical talent. This lack of investment impacts every level of the industry, from emerging artists to established professionals.

• Insufficient funding for arts grants and programs: Many talented Australian musicians struggle to secure funding for crucial aspects of their careers, including recording, touring, and marketing. The current system often favors larger, established organizations, leaving smaller independent artists and collectives under-resourced.
• Inadequate support for touring and international promotion: Touring is essential for artist development and revenue generation, but the cost of touring within Australia, let alone internationally, can be prohibitive. Limited government support makes it difficult for Australian artists to compete on the global stage.
• Lack of investment in music education and training: A well-trained and skilled workforce is crucial for a thriving music industry. Yet, funding for music education and training programs remains inadequate, limiting access to high-quality instruction and professional development opportunities.
• Comparison of Australian government support with other countries' initiatives: Countries like Canada and the UK have significantly more robust music industry support programs, including direct funding, tax incentives, and export initiatives. These programs have contributed to the success of their respective music scenes and provide a model for Australia to emulate. Examples include the Canada Music Fund and the UK's Music Export Growth Scheme.
• Examples of successful international music industry support programs: Successful programs often involve a multi-pronged approach, incorporating funding for artist development, infrastructure support (e.g., venues, studios), and international promotion. These provide valuable lessons for Australia in designing more effective and impactful support mechanisms.

The AMA's report includes numerous case studies illustrating the devastating impact of underfunding on individual artists and the broader Australian Music Industry. This lack of funding not only stifles artistic creativity but also significantly impacts the Australian economy, considering the music industry’s contribution to tourism and employment. The need for increased funding for Australian Music Funding and Arts Grants Australia is paramount.

The Impact of Streaming Services on Australian Musicians

The rise of global streaming platforms presents unique challenges for Australian musicians. While offering unprecedented access to global audiences, these platforms often operate with business models that disadvantage local artists.

• Unfair royalty rates paid to artists by major streaming services: The royalty rates paid to artists are often criticized as being unfairly low, particularly when considering the significant revenue generated by these platforms. This leaves many Australian musicians struggling to make a living from their art.
• Difficulty in competing with internationally established artists on streaming platforms: The sheer volume of music available on these platforms makes it harder for Australian artists to gain visibility and compete with internationally established acts, often with larger marketing budgets.
• The need for fairer streaming models that prioritize Australian artists: A crucial aspect of this discussion is the development of fairer and more equitable models that ensure Australian artists receive a larger share of the revenue generated by their music on streaming platforms.
• The role of copyright and intellectual property rights: Protecting the copyright and intellectual property rights of Australian artists is critical in ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work.
• The impact of streaming on live music performance: While streaming can generate revenue, it has also significantly impacted the traditional revenue streams associated with live music performances, crucial for many artists' livelihoods.

The AMA is advocating for government intervention to negotiate fairer deals with streaming services, potentially through collective bargaining or the creation of a national music streaming service that prioritizes Australian artists. Increased attention on Australian Music Streaming and Music Copyright Australia are vital for the industry's future.

Skills and Workforce Development within the Australian Music Industry

The Australian Music Industry requires a robust and skilled workforce to thrive. However, current systems are failing to provide the necessary training and support.

• Lack of accessible and affordable music education and training: Many aspiring musicians lack access to affordable and high-quality music education and training programs, hindering their professional development.
• The need for industry-specific training in areas such as music business, marketing, and technology: Beyond musical skills, artists need business acumen, marketing savvy, and technological literacy to succeed. Current training programs often lack sufficient focus on these essential areas.
• The importance of supporting emerging artists and providing mentorship opportunities: Providing mentorship and support to emerging artists is crucial for their growth and development within the industry.
• The impact of the gig economy on music industry employment: The prevalence of the gig economy has created job insecurity and inconsistent income for many music industry workers.
• Strategies for attracting and retaining skilled workers in the Australian music industry: Attracting and retaining talent requires a competitive salary structure, benefits, and opportunities for career progression within the industry.

The AMA proposes initiatives to improve training programs, create industry apprenticeships, and secure government-funded scholarships, boosting Music Education Australia and creating more Music Industry Jobs Australia. A strong focus on Music Business Australia is also critical for the industry's long-term success.

Advocacy Group's Call to Action for the Federal Election

The AMA's report includes concrete policy recommendations for the upcoming Federal Election:

• Specific policy proposals for increased funding and support: The AMA calls for significant increases in government funding for arts grants, touring support, and international promotion programs.
• Recommendations for fairer streaming regulations: The AMA is advocating for government intervention to ensure fairer royalty rates for Australian artists on streaming platforms.
• Suggestions for improved skills and workforce development programs: The AMA proposes the creation of industry-specific training programs and mentorship opportunities for emerging artists.
• Calls for government support for live music venues: The AMA highlights the importance of supporting live music venues, crucial for artist development and revenue generation.
• A suggested timeline for implementation of policies: The AMA's report proposes a phased implementation of these policies, with key milestones and timelines for accountability.

The AMA urges the incoming government to prioritize the Australian Music Industry and make these critical policy changes a reality. These recommendations, forming the basis for Australian Music Policy and integral to a strong Federal Election Music Policy, are vital for the future of Australian Music Advocacy.

Conclusion

The Australian Music Association's report paints a concerning picture of the Australian Music Industry's current state, highlighting significant challenges relating to funding, streaming royalties, and workforce development. The upcoming Federal Election provides a crucial opportunity for political parties to address these issues and implement policies that will support the growth and sustainability of this vital sector of Australian culture. We urge readers to contact their elected officials and demand action to protect and nurture the Australian Music Industry. The future of our vibrant musical landscape depends on it. Let’s make the Australian Music Industry a key issue in this Federal Election.