Aussie live music inquiry report calls for reform

A parliamentary report into Australia’s ailing live music industry has called for significant reform of the sector.

The report by the House of Representatives standing committee on communications and the arts puts forward 20 recommendations to help boost a scene said to be in the midst of an “existential crisis” amid the widespread closures of venues and festivals.

It follows last year’s inquiry into the sector, which saw multiple stakeholders including trade bodies, broadcasters and event organisers gave evidence during the series of hearings.

Titled Am I Ever Gonna See You Live Again?, the new report calls on the Australian government to investigate the potential benefits of a tax offset for the live music business, and amend consumer law to “better regulate” ticket sales.

Echoing the UK, it also suggests a “small levy” be added to the ticket price for large music events to support the grassroots sector, as well as recommending an “extension and expansion” of the Revive Live programme, which was established to provide essential support to established live music venues and music festivals.

“Our committee was tasked with exploring what’s going on in live music in Australia,” says inquiry chair Brian Mitchell MP. “What are the challenges and, importantly, what’s the path forward to ensure live music can enjoy a strong and sustainable future.

“The challenges are many and varied, and were well articulated by the many witnesses who provided evidence. We’re undoubtedly seeing tectonic shifts in the economics of music and in the relationships between fans and musicians, largely driven by technological disruption.”

“Making money from playing music has always been hard but it’s harder now than ever”

He continues: “Making money from playing music has always been hard but it’s harder now than ever. This was a long inquiry, longer than we expected it to be, but we went over a lot of ground. It’s clear a lot of people are doing a lot of work in the live music space to ensure it has a strong future. State governments, some councils and advocacy organisations are doing really impressive work and are, by and large, on the same page.”

Other recommendations include the introduction of a new obligation for major international tours to include Australian support acts as a condition of approval – a proposal referred to as ‘Michael’s Rule’ after legendary artist manager Michael McMartin.

In addition, the report urges the government to assess the viability of a rebate/voucher scheme to incentivise younger audiences to attend live music, as well as considering ways in which it could partner with state and territory governments to improve the standard of music education in primary schools.

“We’ve recommended that more work be done to encourage an appreciation of music education, mainly because it’s great for kids’ brains, but also because it fosters a love of music that will remain into adulthood, creating a new generation of music appreciation,” adds Mitchell. “Of all the recommendations we’ve made, that to me is the most important: teach kids how to play music, not just how to stick airpods in their ears.”

The full list of recommendations can be read here.

“This report delivers a roadmap for a stronger, more sustainable Australian music industry

Dean Ormston, CEO of Australian collection society APRA AMCOS, welcomes the findings.

“This report delivers a roadmap for a stronger, more sustainable Australian music industry that can thrive both at home and on the world stage,” he says, “This is a chance to get the policy settings right, to build on the co-investment of successive Australian governments, back the venues and festivals that bring live music to audiences and ensure that our artists have the opportunities they deserve, both here and internationally.

“Live music is a $16 billion industry supporting 41,000 jobs, yet the venues, festivals and events that take the risks to put on shows have been left without the same level of support as other creative industries. That’s why a tax rebate for live music is such a critical reform—it would be an investment in jobs, cultural vibrancy and ensure live music remains central to Australian life. We’ve been advocating for this since 2016, and it’s time to get it done.”

Hopes that the crisis-hit Australian festival business could reverse course on a turbulent couple of years suffered an early blow in January after it was confirmed that Splendour in the Grass will not return in 2025. According to the Australian Festival Association, more than 25 music festivals across the country have been axed since 2022.

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