A list of recommendations has been made by Australian politicians to improve the state of the country’s live music sector.

Australia’s live music industry is facing new challenges, from financial struggles to declining large-scale festivals. However, a recent parliamentary report has outlined recommendations to create a fairer and more sustainable future for musicians, venues, and festival organisers.

Brian Mitchell MP, chair of the committee behind the report, highlighted both the difficulties and opportunities in the industry. He stated, “Making money from playing music has always been hard but it’s harder now than ever. But there’s also opportunity, and young, innovative artists are finding their way to make a living.”

He also acknowledged a shift in the festival scene, saying, “The big commercial festivals are falling over but many smaller, grassroots, community led festivals are flourishing. The challenge is how to encourage this, while ensuring the musicians who play at them do so in a way that allows them to pay their bills.”

The report recommends several measures to strengthen the industry, including:

  • A tax offset for the live music sector to reduce financial pressures on venues and artists.
  • Increased ticketing transparency to limit excessive fees and restrict the negative impact of dynamic pricing.
  • More scrutiny of anti-competitive behaviour to ensure fair opportunities for independent artists and venues.
  • A levy on ticket sales for large-scale music events to fund grassroots festivals and small venues.
  • A voucher scheme for young people to encourage attendance at live music events and support the next generation of music fans.

For independent musicians based in Australia, these recommendations could provide more opportunities to perform, increase fan engagement, and create a more financially stable career path. With additional support for small festivals and venues, emerging artists may find it easier to secure gigs and build an audience.

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