The Morrison Government has today announced a whopping $30.9 million in funding to support the Australian music industry.
The news comes ahead of the Federal Government's budget reveal on Tuesday, with $22.5m proposed for live music grants for small businesses, $2.1m for a Women In Music Mentor program, $2.7m for Indigenous Contemporary Music, $2m to the Australia Council to increase performance opportunities and $1.6m to expand SOUNDS AUSTRALIA to capitalise on emerging markets in Asia.
APRA AMCOS Chief Executive Dean Ormston has welcomed the news in a statement saying, "The Morrison Government has recognised that Australia is a music nation. Of all the art forms Australians engage with, music is by far the most popular."
“From the west coast and the Kimberley to Alice Springs and the eastern seaboard this package will be a boon for the pipeline of talent coming from across the nation and now exporting to the world. This package from the Morrison Government also tackles the key issues faced by our industry that have emerged in the House Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts’ inquiry into factors contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Australian music industry.
“Importantly, this announcement recognises the importance of live music to the development and presentation of musical talent. Live music in our cities, regional centres and towns provides them with a competitive advantage, driving jobs, tourism and supporting the night-time economy.”
“APRA AMCOS has long argued that with the depth of talent across the country, and the increasing international appetite for Australian music, Australia has the potential to go from a music nation to a music powerhouse.
Ormston has also praised the funding for SOUNDS AUSTRALIA, which works to promote Australian music and artists around the world.
“The funding for SOUNDS AUSTRALIA recognises the enormous potential of Australian music exports and music is used by leading nations to project their image to the world. Whether it’s Nashville, London, Tokyo or São Paulo, there are now more Australian musicians and songwriters than home-grown sport stars who are globally recognised household names - Sia, Courtney Barnett, Vance Joy, Flume, 5SOS, Ruel, Amy Shark to name just a few.
“We also applaud the important investment in a national development program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands for touring, recording and planning effective touring circuits. This will go a long way to improve pathways to the professional development for these music practitioners. The support for women in music is also a critical funding initiative. While the music industry in Australia is healthy and vibrant, women continue to be underrepresented in key roles in this sector and make up only a small proportion of those making money from their musical endeavours.
"We applaud this diverse and multi-layered approach to support one of Australia’s great flagship industries. The potential of our local industry will be provided with a significant boost from this announcement."
The rest of the 2019-2020 Budget will be announced on Tuesday evening at 7.30pm by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
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