APRA AMCOS On Labor’s $16.4 Million Promise: ‘A Welcome & Vital Boost For Australian Music’

APRA AMCOS has welcomed the Labor government’s recommitment to its Revive Live program, which Arts Minister Tony Burke pledged an additional $16.4 million to Australian live music venues and festivals.

The initiative was introduced last year with $8.6 million for venues and festivals. With the additional $16.4 million, Labor has brought its total pledge for live music to $25 million, allowing for infrastructure upgrades, programming, professional development programs, accessibility projects, and the creation of new touring circuits.

With yesterday’s announcement, Labor has announced its support for venues and festivals including but not limited to Beyond The Valley, Yours And Owls, Lost Paradise, St Kilda Festival, Party In The Paddock, Brightside (Brisbane venue), Jive (Adelaide venue), Savannah In The Round, and a day on the green.

APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston welcomed the announcement. “This investment is a welcome and vital boost for Australian music,” he said. “It recognises the role of live music and festivals not only as powerful cultural experiences, but as essential stages for discovering and showcasing the next generation of Australian artists.

“It builds on the momentum of last month’s federal budget, which made clear that music is not just a creative pursuit, it’s a national asset driving jobs, tourism, export and local communities. Strengthening access to stages and audiences across the country will help ensure more great Australian music is heard, valued and celebrated, at home and around the world.

“This increased investment means there will be more chances for both emerging and established artists to get on stage, be discovered and connect with audiences right across the country.”

This month, some of the country’s leading music organisations teamed up to share the Vote Music 2025 initiative. A national call to action that urges the country’s political parties to commit to a stronger future for Australian music, it seeks more jobs, the establishment of stronger communities, and further support for Australian music to be heard and celebrated.

With Vote Music 2025, Australian music organisations are calling for the “futureproofing” of the Australian music industry. They’ve detailed five priorities to secure the future of Australian music, which you can find out more about here.

Ormston, referencing the initiative, which is supported by APRA AMCOS, added: “Since COVID hit, we’ve lost more than 1,300 live music stages across the country. That’s had a huge knock-on effect on artists, venues, production crews and the local economies and communities that rely on a vibrant music scene.

“This new funding is essential, but the data emerging from Revive Live will also demonstrate that we need structural reform to ensure the long-term viability of venues and festivals.

“This is the moment to look seriously at a broad based live music tax rebate, just like we support screen and digital games production. We need to give venues, festivals and events the confidence to take creative risks, back new artists and invest in the future of Australian music.”

He concluded, “Australian music is a global success story, but we need to build on that momentum with policy that supports creation, performance and export.

“This announcement is another strong signal. Now let’s build the framework that takes Australian music to the next level, on stage, on screen, on platforms and on the world stage.”