Live Sector Joins Development Plan

The sector was represented at the Erskine Town Gall by Live Performance Australia, the Association of Artist Managers, the Live Music Office and export body Sounds Australia, which represents the country at festivals and trade events around the world.

Other associations included the Australian Music Association, which promotes music education, and peak bodies covering record labels, the independent sector, state associations, publishers, performance collection, music rights and community broadcasting. The result was a commitment to a National Business Development Plan.

It will develop detailed national strategies “to increase public respect for Australian music; ensure a vibrant national live music scene; strengthen Australia’s terms of cultural trade in music; improve remuneration and employment for creators and performers; and optimise a skilled music workforce.”

The resulting agenda will be reviewed by the industry and then presented to Australian government. Michael Smellie, Sydney-based chair of Music Australia, stated, “Australian contemporary music needs a cohesive and ambitious set of goals of sufficient ambition to befit our Australian talent, and national pride. There now is a clear industry wide mandate to implement clear strategies that can position Australian contemporary music as a global player, influencer and contributor in the world business of music.”