'Minimum Standards For a Mentally Healthy Music Industry' Unveiled

The music industry now has a framework for providing psychologically safe workplaces, with music charity Support Act unveiling its Minimum Standards for a Mentally Healthy Music Industry.

The standards are voluntary and self regulating, but endeavour to provide proactive measures to address safety at work issues including bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, racism, ageism, homophobia and transphobia, as well as conversely promoting actions to protect, respond to and promote the positive aspects of work that contribute to good mental health.

The Minimum Standards for a Mentally Healthy Music Industry were developed in consultation with representatives from the music industry and regulatory authorities, and are in line with the actions proposed in the National Mental Health Commission's National Workplace Initiative.

The initiative will work alongside other Support Act offerings including the Workplace Wellbeing Check-In program, Mental Health First Aid Training, Suicide Prevention Training, Active Bystander Training and dedicated First Nations programming.

In addition, the music industry charity has announced the launch of its updated training program next month, 'Access All Areas: Creating a Safe and Thriving Music Industry for All'.

The free online program was developed in partnership with Music Victoria and will teach attendees practical strategies on how to identify and call out harmful behaviour in the workplace including harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual misconduct.

Clive Miller, CEO of Support Act, said the standards recognise that creating mentally healthy workplaces takes time, requires ongoing attention and may have different requirements for businesses of different sizes.

"Our recent research clearly articulated the need for work environments that are safe for everyone's mental and physical health, and this was strongly reinforced by last week's release of the excellent Raising Their Voices report," he said.

"As leaders in the mental health and workplace wellbeing space, it was the logical next step to produce a set of minimum standards that support our music business community in implementing standards that are becoming uniform across the Australian business landscape."

He encouraged everyone in the industry to show their commitment to making cultural change and creating a sense of belonging to adopt the standards now.

For support, call the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline a free, confidential 24/7 counselling service available to anyone working in Australian music or the performing arts. It includes a dedicated First Nations Support Line, Sexual Health and Safety Support Line, LGBTQI+ Support Line, and Manager Support Hotline, all accessed by calling 1800 959 500.