Music Victoria Welcomes Labor’s Live Music Commitments, Calls for Stadium Ticket Levy

Music Victoria has welcomed new policy and funding commitments from the State Government aimed at supporting the state’s contemporary music industry, while renewing calls for long-term structural reform.

The commitments, announced ahead of November’s state election, include establishing a permanent Live Music Desk, reforming noise regulations, funding all-ages events and requiring Victorian Government advertising to feature local music.

The government has also pledged to formally designate live music precincts and reverse the burden of proof for noise complaints, measures designed to strengthen protections for live music venues.

The announcement follows a funding package unveiled on Monday, which includes support for regional touring, music festivals and local venue activation. 

Music Victoria said several of the commitments reflect priorities outlined in its Vote Victorian Music 
campaign, developed through advocacy by artists, venues and industry representatives. CEO Fiona Duncan welcomed the announcement but said further measures would be needed to address the industry's long-term challenges.

“We welcome today’s announcement from the current Victorian Government which has backed our Vote Victorian Music policy platform - it’s a promise to action our calls for a Live Music Desk, EPA noise reform and mandated local music in advertising are direct wins for the collective advocacy by our entire sector, but there is more to be done,” she said. 

The commitments follow an existing review of Victoria's live music noise regulations. In July, the Environment Protection Authority reported widespread support for simpler rules, while acknowledging the need to balance venue viability with the interests of nearby residents. 

Despite the latest announcements, Music Victoria is continuing to advocate for a legislated 1% stadium ticket levy, which would fund a permanent Victorian Music Trust. The proposed levy would redirect a portion of revenue from major stadium concerts towards local artists, grassroots venues and the broader Victorian music industry.

“This commitment is a crucial milestone, but government grant rounds and planning reforms alone cannot fix structural industry pressures,” Duncan explained. 

"The next crucial leap is establishing a legislated 1% stadium ticket levy to power a permanent Victorian Music Trust that’s free from the vulnerability of election cycles. When international superstars fill our stadiums, a fraction of that revenue needs to be directed back into Victorian venues, artists, and the grassroots ecosystem that supports them.”

Music Victoria estimates the state's music sector is worth $3.55 billion and says it will continue engaging with all political parties in the lead-up to the November election to pursue permanent support for grassroots music.

See more about the campaign here.