APRA AMCOS Claims New Tax Reform Package Could Transform Australia's $9 Billion Music Industry

A new comprehensive tax reform package submission provided by APRA AMCOS to the NSW Government's Tax Reform Summit for Creative Industries has the potential to create massive positive change to the country's music industry, the organisation claims.

The new submission, which has been provided ahead of September's Art Of Tax Reform Summit, has provided a number of evidence-based recommendations on how smart tax policy could "revitalise cultural life from regional towns to our largest cities."

According to APRA AMCOS CEO, Dean Ormston, the submission shows just how Australia's $8.78 billion music industry could be transformed by this reform and ultimately become a net exporter of music.

"Our submission to the NSW Government presents a clear framework that recognises music and the broader creative industries as a vital economic sector that drives exports and educational outcomes across the country," Ormston says. 

"With Australian music exports already contributing $975 million to our economy, this represents a moon-shot opportunity for Australia to lean in and become a net exporter of music while strengthening the cultural connections that bind communities together from regional centres to global stages."

According to APRA AMCOS, the big headline from their submission is the 'AUSTRALIA LIVE' tax offset, which combines live music incentives with theatre production rebates, and claims the live aspect alone could generate up to $920 million in Gross Value Added to the economy and create 10,800 jobs while boosting musician incomes by $294 million annually.

"Almost 80% of live music venues, nightclubs and promoters in our recent survey identified tax offset support as the most important long-term solution," Ormston continues. "The live music ecosystem serves as the training ground for Australia's global musical exports, but we're still struggling to reach pre-pandemic venue numbers. 

"This is about rebuilding a sustainable live music sector that nurtures emerging talent, supports established artists, and brings communities together through the power of live performance." 

The submission also includes recommendations centering on "expanding R&D tax incentives to creative industries, elevating screen composers within Significant Australian Content guidelines, removing taxation inequities between arts and sporting prizes, and includes tax schemes to support the IP development part of the industry with record labels and publishers."

Additionally, the submission also takes a closer look at some of the challenges faced as a result of AI technology and local content obligations. This itself follows on from research from APRA AMCOS which shows 97% of members demand AI providers disclose when using copyrighted works as training data, with 23% of music creators' revenues predicted to be at risk by 2028

"Creators face a reality of seeing their creations exploited by AI platforms without credit, consent or compensation," Ormston adds. "Our submission shows how smart tax policy has become essential for maintaining cultural sovereignty while supporting innovation in creative technologies." 

The New South Wales Government's Art Of Tax Reform Summit will take place at the Sydney Opera House on September 26th.