Music Australia calls on Govt for Contemporary Music Plan

Peak industry body Music Australia is calling upon the federal government to recognise the contribution the music industry makes to Australia’s economy and culture. 

Music Australia CEO Chris Bowen told TMN: “We generate significant revenues, employ thousands of people, are an exporting industry, and a major part of the tourism economy. Yet we lag behind other countries and industries in government backing and investment.” 

The call for support follows the body’s Statistical Snapshot report, as covered by TMN yesterday, and precedes the release of its National Contemporary Music Plan, a blueprint for national growth of local contemporary music.

The Plan, developed by 40 people from across the music sector, includes a suite of proposed measures involving but not limited to workforce development and training, gender parity within the local industry, regulatory reform, copyright, student awareness training and tax incentives.

Research commissioned by APRA AMCOS found tax incentives for Australian music could generate 250,000 additional public performances each year.

Chris Bowen at the inaugural Contemporary Music Roundtable

“In our National Contemporary Music Plan we urge governments to get behind the music industry,” Bowen told TMN. “If they do this they will be backing economic growth, job creation, public engagement and boosting Australia’s national and global identity and culture.”

As detailed in Music Australia’s Statistical Snapshot report - created in partnership with AIR, ARIA, APRA AMCOS and other peak music bodies - the local music sector contributes $4 to $6 billion to the Australian economy. Australia’s live contemporary music industry alone generates revenues of $1.5‐$2 billion annually. 

“This data demonstrates contemporary music’s potential to build Australia’s global comparative advantage,” added Bowen. “Music is a key creative industries contributor. These are the fastest growing parts of our economy, and generate strong employment growth."

The first draft of the National Contemporary Music Plan is currently being reviewed by an Organising Group appointed by Music Australia. It will be discussed at the second Contemporary Music Roundtable in Sydney on August 3 and 4.