Music industry reveals initial outcomes of #MeToo meeting

Content Warning: This article covers sexual assault & harassment and may be triggering for some readers. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

The Australian music industry has held an initial meeting to address sexual harm, harassment and systemic discrimination within its ranks.

The immediate actions as a result of the meeting are to engage independent experts/ facilitators, establish a national consultation strategy and share the recommendations and rollout process.

These initial actions are expected within a six-week timeframe and will be driven by the temporary volunteer working group consisting of Deena Lynch (Jaguar Jonze), Emily Collins (MusicNSW), Julia Robinson (Australian Festivals Association), Larissa Ryan (Hutch Collective), Sarah Woolcott (BMG), Sophie Paterson (Sony Music Australia) and Mardi Caught (The Annex).

Jonze has been instrumental in driving change, sharing her own story of assault with both The Industry Observer and The Project in a bid to shine a light on the dark side of the music industry.

Yesterday’s meeting was initially criticised for not including victims and survivors, however Lynch was then invited to attend.

She reiterated on Instagram after the meeting that she knows all solutions and steps forward have flaws, but something needs to be done regardless.

“The important thing to hold onto is to be proactive together in ensuring action and change,” she said.

“This has been a difficult process for me personally and I’ve really put everything on the line to try my absolute best in not letting this be a moment of awareness. We need commitments at every level and aspect of the industry and I need the strength and courage of survivors to take one small step forward to continue the hard work of so many before us. I really believe we can implement changes industry-wide to protect our vulnerable and create a safer/ healthier workplace for everyone.”

In a statement from ARIA on behalf of the meeting, the company said the temporary working group’s aim is to drive wider research and meaningful industry discussions, alongside expert guidance.

“The consultation process will inform any further actions and underpin any future governance,” the statement explained.

A full list of the meeting’s attendees can be found below, and to stay up-to-date with the working group, you can sign up here.

Meeting attendees: 

Annabelle Herd, ARIA/PPCA
Anne Jacobs, Support Act
Arwen Hunt, Universal Publishing Australia
Briese Abbott, Kobalt
Cerissa Grant, Support Act
Cath Haridy, Association of Artist Managers
Dean Ormstom, APRA AMCOS
Debbie Teale
Deena Lynch, Jaguar Jonze
Emily Collins, MusicNSW
Gillian Dunn, APRA AMCOS
Gladys Namokoyi, Kween G
Julia Robinson, Australian Festivals Association
Karen Don, Universal Music Australia
Kathy McCabe, NewsCorp
Kirti Jacobs, APRA AMCOS
Larissa Ryan, Hutch Collective
Leah Flanagan, APRA AMCOS
Libby Blakey, Warner Music Australia
Linda Bosidis, Mushroom Music Publishing
LJ Loch, Alpha Consulting
Lynne Small, ARIA/PPCA
Maree Hamblion, Sony ATV
Mardi Caught, The Annex
Maria Amato, Australian Independent Record Labels Association
Marianna Annas, Universal Publishing Australia
Meg Williams, A New Approach
Milly Petriella, APRA AMCOS
Natalie Waller, ABC Music
Poppy Reid, The Industry Observer/The Brag
Rachel Kelly, Downtown Publishing
Sarah Woolcott, BMG Rights Management (Australia)
Sophie McArthur, Sony Music Australia
Sophie Paterson, Sony Music Australia
Susan Heymann, Chugg Entertainment