Vic Govt Focuses On Live Music Recovery & Future With Budget

The Victorian state government has unveiled its 2023 budget, with Treasurer Tim Pallas revealing the news last night.

ABC summarised the budget in neat little compartments of Winners and Losers for this year’s budget, with Small Businesses receiving increased payroll tax-free threshold, a huge boost in the hospital infrastructure, and millions of dollars earmarked for flood recovery named the winners.

The losers include the gambling industry, government debt, big business, private schools, and more. However, the ABC didn’t mention the arts.

According to a press release shared by Creative Victoria, the state is receiving $35.4 million for an extensive Victorian Music and Community Broadcasting package that’s aimed to pump up the volume of Victoria’s renowned music industry.

The state of Victoria will gain $20 million over the next two years for its Always Live program, which has hosted the likes of Foo Fighters' one-off gig at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium, Billy Joel at the MCG, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis at Hanging Rock, and more.

In addition to the increase for Always Live, $7.5 million will be allocated over four years for Victoria’s new Live Music Performers Fund. “The Victorian Government will back up to 10,000 contemporary live music gigs across Victoria with a focus on local artists and local venues. 25% of supported gigs will be staged in regional Victoria,” the statement reads.

Elsewhere, another $2.5 million will be dished to the Live Music Major Events Fund over four years, which will support live music festivals and events across Victoria. The Victorian state government will also invest in Support Act, allocating $2 million to the organisation over four years. $2 million will also go to talented students to access mentoring support and opportunities.

The Victorian government has also allocated “$23 million to expand Victoria’s Major Events Fund, $4 million for Ethical Clothing Australia, support for Bendigo Queer Arts Festival, and funding for multicultural and multifaith festivals and events.”

The Victorian Music and Community Broadcasting package will also support seven community radio and television stations, pledge support to Richmond’s iconic Bakehouse Studios, implement new planning controls to safeguard live music venues, and establish a new Music Industry Advisory Council.

APRA AMCOS has responded to the government’s $2 million for students, with Dean Ormston, Chief Executive of APRA AMCOS stating, “This investment in songwriting in Victorian high schools will embed the state as a centre of excellence in the global music market.

“As APRA AMCOS’ SongMakers program has shown, the teaching of songwriting in schools is one of the sure-fire ways to not only uncover the next generation of hit-makers but also inspire learners to build skills in collaboration, literacy, resilience and creativity.”

Ormston added, “The $7.5 million commitment towards 10,000 live music gigs over the next four years as well as the continuation of funding for the Victorian Music Development Office and major events such as Always Live will pay a cultural, social and economic dividend for Victoria as it cements its reputation as a centre of the global music market.”