It's Happened - Government Backflips As Sounds Australia Secures Funding

In what can only be described as a MASSIVE win for the Australian music community, the federal government has backflipped on plans to axe funding for Sounds Australia, and instead secured it for another four years. 

As confirmed at a press conference at Melbourne's Face The Music today, Minister For The Arts, Mitch Fifield has approved $1.16 million in funding for Sounds Australia across the four-year term.

Sounds Australia's Executive Producer Millie Millgate revealed that prior to today's announcement, she had cut the Sounds Australia program in half.

"We really didn't think that we were going to get to 50% of the international markets," an emotional Millgate said at today's conference. 

"This news from the Minister just couldn't have come at a better time. I think the testament is seriously what Australian artists are doing around the world and it starts at events like Face The Music, like BIGSOUND.

"With all the regional and state and industry body partners and the way that this industry has come together to support our artists and industry and export, has been phenomenal. 

"The support that we've had globally has been amazing and to have this current government recognise that and commit to four years is just beyond overwhelming."