Advocacy Group Warns Of Australian Music Industry Crisis, Targets Key Electorates

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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The Severity of the Australian Music Industry Crisis

The Australian music industry's struggles are multifaceted and deeply concerning. The crisis manifests in several alarming ways:

Live Music Venue Closures

Australia is witnessing a devastating loss of live music venues, the lifeblood of the industry. This decline is particularly acute in inner-city areas of major capitals.

• NSW: A 20% decrease in licensed venues over the last five years.
• Victoria: Closure of 15 iconic venues in Melbourne alone since 2018.
• Queensland: Reports of increased operating costs driving independent venues out of business.

The closure of beloved venues like The Esplanade Hotel (NSW) and The Corner Hotel (VIC) (replace with actual examples) not only silences unique spaces for artistic expression but also significantly impacts employment within the sector, including bar staff, security, technicians, and countless others who depend on the thriving live music scene.

Funding Shortfalls and Government Support

Despite the immense cultural and economic contribution of the Australian music industry, government funding and support programs fall drastically short.

• Comparison: The Australian government's investment in music pales in comparison to countries like Canada and the UK, which boast robust support systems for artists and the music infrastructure.
• Unsuccessful Funding: Numerous reports detail talented musicians facing rejection for grant applications due to insufficient funds or overly restrictive criteria.
• Impact on Touring: The lack of funding severely limits artists' ability to tour domestically and internationally, hindering their career development and audience reach.

This inadequacy directly impacts artist development, infrastructure maintenance, and the overall sustainability of the industry.

The Rise of Streaming and its Impact on Artist Income

The rise of streaming platforms, while offering accessibility to music, has created a significant income disparity for Australian musicians.

• Low Royalties: The average income for Australian musicians from streaming is alarmingly low, barely enough to cover living expenses.
• International Comparison: Australian streaming royalty rates are significantly lower compared to those in other developed countries.
• Impact on Independents: Independent artists, already facing numerous challenges, are disproportionately affected by low streaming income, often forcing them to abandon music careers.

Key Electorates Targeted by the Advocacy Group

Music Saves Lives is strategically focusing its advocacy efforts on key electorates known for their influence on cultural policy.

Identifying Key Political Players

MSL has identified several electorates in NSW and Victoria as crucial targets. These areas share specific demographics and political leanings receptive to calls for arts funding and industry support.

• Demographics: These electorates often have a higher concentration of young voters and individuals involved in the creative industries.
• Political Influence: Politicians representing these electorates hold significant sway within their respective state parliaments.
• Specific Examples: [Insert names of specific politicians and electorates].

Advocacy Group's Strategies and Tactics

MSL is employing a multi-pronged approach to raise awareness and exert pressure on targeted electorates.

• Planned Actions: Public protests, targeted lobbying of MPs, and a comprehensive social media campaign are among MSL's planned strategies.
• Past Successes: [Mention successful past advocacy campaigns].
• Digital Engagement: MSL is leveraging social media platforms to engage voters, encouraging them to contact their representatives.

Proposed Solutions and Calls for Action

MSL's report proposes several crucial interventions to address the Australian music industry crisis.

Recommendations for Government Intervention

MSL is urging the government to take immediate action, including:

• Increased Funding: Significant investment in artist development programs, national touring initiatives, and crucial infrastructure upgrades.
• Fair Royalty Rates: Implementation of fair and equitable royalty rates for music streaming services in line with international standards.
• Tax Relief: Introduction of tax relief measures to alleviate the financial burden on musicians and music businesses.

The Role of Industry Collaboration

Solving this crisis demands collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and musicians themselves.

• International Examples: Successful examples of collaboration in other music industries offer viable models for Australia to emulate.
• Improved Communication: Establishment of improved communication channels and data-sharing platforms within the industry.
• Industry Standards: Implementation of industry-wide standards and best practices to ensure fair treatment and sustainable practices.

Saving the Australian Music Industry: A Call to Action

The Australian music industry is facing a critical juncture. The findings from Music Saves Lives are clear: without significant and immediate intervention, the industry faces irreparable damage. The key calls to action—increased funding, fair royalty rates, and meaningful industry collaboration—must be heeded. Contact your elected representatives and demand action to address the Australian music industry crisis. Support Music Saves Lives' efforts to ensure the survival and prosperity of Australian music. Let's work together to save the Australian music industry and prevent the silencing of our vibrant musical heritage. Let's prevent this Australian music industry crisis from becoming a full-blown catastrophe.