Country Music Vows To ‘Re-establish Full Credibility’

20 March 2014 | 11:46 am | Scott Fitzsimons

Three veterans quit the CMAA board

The Country Music Association Of Australia has vowed to earn the respect of the music industry after a “watershed” start to 2014.

The Association was the subject of much controversy in the lead up to its flagship event – the Australian Country Music Awards, or Golden Guitars – which resulted in John Williamson resigning as the CMAA's President and replaced by Dobe Newton.

The success of this year's Golden Guitars, which proved themselves to be one of the country's best-executed award ceremonies, has seen the controversy promp a discussion that has the country industry giving itself a healthy and much-needed look in the mirror.



“We understand that it will take time to re-establish full credibility, and that respect will have to be earned, not taken for granted,” Newton said.

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He added of the controversy, “I welcomed the media spotlight being trained on country music, especially when it provoked discussion about the very nature of our music. I reiterate my belief that it's a discussion we have had – and need to have, every 10 years or so.

“Of course I regret the thoughtless and hurtful contribution of a small minority who used the social media as a way of venting their frustrations – irrespective it seems of the topic. Logic and nuance are not their strong-points, and theirs was not a meaningful contribution.”

As part of the year of change, CMAA's Chair Jeff Chandler has stepped down to focus on his role as Artist Director of the Gympie Music Muster (Newton is acting Chair), while Graham Thompson is also outgoing having been with the organisation since its foundation in the '90s. Treasurer Marius Els will continue in his role until a replacement is found.

Newton said that the three will be “sorely missed”, but “it provides us with an opportunity to inject some fresh thoughts and voices. That process in underway.”



At the recent AGM, held in Tamworth, the CMAA board identified a number of priorities that included finalising a new structure for the board, increasing communication with in the industry and growing the association's members.

They also want to build stronger ties with the likes of ARIA, AIR, APRA, peak state bodies and other country music groups and review the awards to ensure they're a centre point of the Tamworth Country Music Festival each year. The eligibility and nomination process of the awards will also be looked at.