ScoMo Gov’t commits millions to Australian music in next budget

A few days prior to the Federal Government’s upcoming budget reveal on Tuesday, Scott Morrison has announced over $30 million in Australian music funding.

The just announced funding includes $22.5m for live music grants for small businesses, $2.7m for indigenous contemporary music, $2.1m for a women in music mentorship program, $2m to the Australia Council to increase performance opportunities, and $1.6m for the expansion of Sounds Australia in order for them to capitalise on emerging Asian markets.

Among those responding to this morning’s announcement is APRA AMCOS Chief Executive Officer Dean Ormston. He welcomed the news in a statement which reads, “The Morrison Government has recognised that Australia is a music nation. Of all the art forms Australians engage with, music is by far the most popular.”

“From the west coast and the Kimberley to Alice Springs and the eastern seaboard this package will be a boon for the pipeline of talent coming from across the nation and now exporting to the world. This package from the Morrison Government also tackles the key issues faced by our industry that have emerged in the House Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts’ inquiry into factors contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Australian music industry.”

Ormston continues, “Importantly, this announcement recognises the importance of live music to the development and presentation of musical talent.”

He also claims the funding recognises the importance of rejuvenating the failing Sydney night-time economy. “Live music in our cities, regional centres and towns provides them with a competitive advantage, driving jobs, tourism and supporting the night-time economy.”

“APRA AMCOS has long argued that with the depth of talent across the country, and the increasing international appetite for Australian music, Australia has the potential to go from a music nation to a music powerhouse.”

Among funding highlights, Ormston claims Sounds Australia’s funding is of utmost importance.

“The funding for Sounds Australia recognises the enormous potential of Australian music exports and music is used by leading nations to project their image to the world. Whether it’s Nashville, London, Tokyo or São Paulo, there are now more Australian musicians and songwriters than home-grown sport stars who are globally recognised household names – Sia, Courtney Barnett, Vance Joy, Flume, 5SOS, Ruel, Amy Shark to name just a few.”

Part of this funding package is funding for music programs for indigenous Australians. “We also applaud the important investment in a national development program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands for touring, recording and planning effective touring circuits. This will go a long way to improve pathways to the professional development for these music practitioners. The support for women in music is also a critical funding initiative. While the music industry in Australia is healthy and vibrant, women continue to be underrepresented in key roles in this sector and make up only a small proportion of those making money from their musical endeavours.”

Ormston adds, “We applaud this diverse and multi-layered approach to support one of Australia’s great flagship industries. The potential of our local industry will be provided with a significant boost from this announcement.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will announce the remainder of the 2019-2020 Budget on Tuesday from 7:30pm.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.