Listen Up Music launches JobSeeker Anthem Song Contest

Listen Up Music has announced a competition that challenges artists to write a song to campaign for an increase to the JobSeeker scheme.

Held in partnership with philanthropic group Wyatt Trust, the JobSeeker Anthem Song Contest will see a selected song from the competition be used in a future advertising campaign petitioning for the increase of the welfare payment, which currently sits at $44 per day.

In addition to receiving a full day of studio time to record the anthem, a $10,000 cash prize will be granted to the winner, with over 100 members of the public donating to the cash prize.

Listen Up Music co-founder and CEO Ali Taylor addressed the organisation’s role in supporting the push for JobSeeker to be increased, highlighting the mental health impacts of living below the poverty line.

“Music is a universal language. We know that people experiencing different forms of adversity find not only solace, but voice and community through song,” Taylor said.

“This competition expands our reach from those passionate about positive mental health to a larger group whose financial hardship has far-reaching health and wellbeing impacts.”

Competition co-convener and Wyatt Trust CEO Stacey Thomas highlighted the potential impact of the selected song to become emblematic of the JobSeeker payment increase campaign.

“There was widespread support for a raise in income support rates but the resulting $4 per day earlier this year did little to change things for people living in poverty,” Thomas noted.

“We need to continue to give voice to those on JobSeeker and having an anthem that speaks to the dilemmas they face is a new way of doing this.”

Entries for the JobSeeker Anthem Song Contest are open today and close on September 5.