Minogue, Bublé Underpayment Allegations

A two-day Minogue video shoot in Melbourne that asked professional dancers to appear for free came under fire from Actors Equity Australia.

Video director Dimitri Basil took responsibility, citing a small budget.

Fresh claims were made two days later when 30 dancers appeared with the singer at the TV industry’s April 27 Logie Awards.

Actors Equity director Sue McCreadie claimed they were offered A$700 (US$650) for rehearsals and performance, while the legal minimum fee is A$1,156 ($1,073).

Actors Equity confirmed the proper payment has since been paid.

The Sydney Sunday Telegraph alleged May 4 that eight classical musicians hired for Michael Buble’s four shows at Rod Laver Arena Melbourne were paid 38 percent less than award rate.

The paper said the musicians were given A$550 ($510) for 12 hours’ work for the April 30 to May 4 shows.

The Live Performance Award wage is A$885 ($822) to A$1,071.53 ($995) depending on experience.

The eight were contracted by the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and negotiations did not involve Buble or tour promoter Dainty Entertainment.