Melbourne Promised HoF

In its A$22.2 million ($19.1 million) music policy Victoria Rocks, the ALP also promised a music hub Music Market to house associations and firms, and dollar-for-dollar grants for venues to manage sound and building issues.

The Music Passport will fund trade delegations and campaigns taking Victorian music overseas. Major touring acts will be required to book local emerging bands. A Victorian Music Development Office will provide leadership on investment, grants, exports and music business development. The ALP’s Victorian leader, Daniel Andrews, said, “A Labor Government will support local acts every step of the way, because they create local jobs and they create something that lasts.”

Cult hero Tex Perkins (The Cruel Sea, Beasts Of Bourbon, Dark Horses) announced Nov. 8 he will stand as an independent for the seat of Albert Park. His goal is to secure funding for the heritage-listed Palais Theatre in St. Kilda, which needs A$25 million to A$40 million ($21.5 million to $34.5 million) worth of refurbishment to stay open. “The neglect of such an iconic performance venue, along with all the buck-passing from both sides of politics – it’s just not good enough,” the singer said.