Live Performance Australia (LPA), the peak body for the country’s live performance industry, has called on the Albanese Government to increase funding for homegrown performers ahead of handing down the Australian Federal Budget for 2026-27 in May.
LPA implores the federal government to “seize the opportunity” and deliver high-impact, structural initiatives that would support Australia’s live arts and entertainment industry. Not only keep it going amid a cost-of-living crisis, but also support its sustainability and ongoing evolution.
As noted in a press release, live performances across the country generated over $3 billion in ticket revenue in 2024. More than 31.4 million tickets were sold across contemporary music, theatre, opera, classical music, music festivals, dance, and other entertainment events.
To support its request to the government, LPA proposes budget measures that would boost investment and audience engagement in Australia’s live performance sector. Plus, the music industry's peak body aims to showcase the ambitions of the government’s existing national cultural policy, Revive.
Proposals from LPA include:
Introducing a Live Performance Production Incentive for commercial and not-for-profit producers
Increase financial stability for the live performance sector
The implementation of skills and training initiatives to address skill shortages within the industry
Increasing tax deductibility of private donations to arts and cultural organisations
Introducing a cultural pass program and investing in arts programs in schools
Invest in regional and international touring
The upgrading of performing arts infrastructure
Offer support to presenters and producers to showcase creative work to their local communities.
To find out more about LPA’s budget proposals, head here.
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Eric Lassen, CEO of Live Performance Australia, commented that the organisation’s budget proposals seek to “strengthen existing foundations” introduced by the federal government.
“Our industry underpins Australia’s creative and cultural vibrancy and delivers strong economic and social outcomes in our cities, suburbs and regional and rural communities,” Lassen began.
“In recent years, the industry has been dealing with significantly higher costs for production and touring, critical skills shortages, and changes in consumer behaviour and preferences.”
Lassen continued, “LPA’s budget proposals are an opportunity to strengthen existing foundations and build new pillars of support to enable the industry to fully realise its potential as a key driver of our economic, social and cultural well-being.”
With the 2025-26 Federal Budget, the Albanese government increased Revive funding by $17 million, in addition to $8.6 million to renew the Revive Live program, which supports live music venues, tours and festivals, and $11 million to continue the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Partnership Program.
