Labor’s Revive Live Gets $16.4 Million Boost to Back Australian Music
APRA AMCOS has welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to add another $16.4 million to the Revive Live program, bringing the total investment to $25 million. This funding will support live music venues and festivals that feature Australian artists.
“This investment is a welcome and vital boost for Australian music,” says Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS. “It recognises the role of live music and festivals not only as powerful cultural experiences, but as essential stages for discovering and showcasing the next generation of Australian artists.”
This funding follows last month’s federal budget, which highlighted the value of music in driving jobs, tourism, exports, and local communities. “Strengthening access to stages and audiences across the country will help ensure more great Australian music is heard, valued and celebrated, at home and around the world,” Ormston adds.
Revive Live will support mostly Australian-owned live music venues and contemporary music festivals, with a focus on improving accessibility and inclusion at events.
“This increased investment means there will be more chances for both emerging and established artists to get on stage, be discovered and connect with audiences right across the country,” says Ormston.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia has lost over 1,300 live music stages, affecting artists, venues, production crews, and local economies.
“This new funding is essential, but the data emerging from Revive Live will also demonstrate that we need structural reform to ensure the long-term viability of venues and festivals,” Ormston explains.
“This is the moment to look seriously at a broad based live music tax rebate, just like we support screen and digital games production. We need to give venues, festivals and events the confidence to take creative risks, back new artists and invest in the future of Australian music.”
The announcement comes after 20 leading music organisations released the Vote Music 2025 platform, which outlines key steps the government can take to support Australian music, including:
- Boosting investment in live music and industry growth, including a national live music tax rebate and festival support.
- Protecting creative rights and innovation, including fair payment for artists and regulation of AI and new technologies.
- Promoting Australian music locally and globally with stronger content rules for radio, streaming, and screen.
- Strengthening music education, youth initiatives, regional projects, and pathways for First Nations music.
- Expanding music exports and cultural diplomacy through a dedicated music export office and international showcasing.
“Australian music is a global success story, but we need to build on that momentum with policy that supports creation, performance and export,” Ormston concludes.
“This announcement is another strong signal. Now let’s build the framework that takes Australian music to the next level, on stage, on screen, on platforms and on the world stage.”