The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts will inquire into and report on the challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry.
The Australian Government committed to initiatives in The National Cultural Policy, Revive, to revitalise Australia’s live music industry following the impacts of COVID-19. However, in the wake of numerous venues closing and cancellations of some of Australia’s most established and successful music festivals in recent years, it is timely the Committee considers the industry-wide issues facing the sector.
Chair of the Committee, Mr Brian Mitchell MP, said ‘Australia’s live music industry is currently facing considerable operational challenges. In the last couple of years, after the reopening of live music venues and festivals post COVID lockdowns, we have seen the sector face new and unprecedented issues.’
Mr Mitchell explained ‘Some common struggles include the rising costs of presenting live music, shifting consumer behaviours, the loss of skilled workers in the industry, and cost of living ramifications. We will be exploring sustainability and growth in the Australian music industry into the future, domestically and internationally.’
‘The Committee would like to hear about barriers to industry growth, including to export, the impact of current grant and support programs, and capacity building in the sector. The impacts of emerging audience behaviours and mechanisms for audience development will also be explored, along with the suitability and location of venues and artist development and career pathways.’
Mr Mitchell stressed ‘The industry sits on the cusp of transformation, and it is important that opportunities are harnessed while the traditional community nature of experiencing a live event is retained.’
The Committee welcomes submissions from interested organisations and individuals by 30 April 2024. Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website.
