House of Representatives Committee presents report on Australian Music industry

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts today presented its report on the Australian music industry, making 16 recommendations to ensure the future growth and sustainability of this sector.

The Chair, Luke Howarth MP, stated that "investment in the support and promotion of Australian artists and other industry careers is essential to the retention of talent and, ultimately, the sustainability and growth of the Australian music industry."

"The music industry has experienced significant disruption as a result of technological advances and the rapid digitisation of the distribution of music; however, the industry’s recent return to growth and decrease in the number of consumers downloading music illegally is evidence of the industry’s successful adaption to the digital disruption," added Howarth.

Key recommendations include:

• Removing the pricing cap on license fees for the radio broadcast of sound recordings;
• Investing in supporting artists to tour in Australia, both in major cities and regional areas;
• Investing in the Live Music Office, to continue its work advising and supporting state and local governments to develop regulation that encourages and celebrates live music;
• Changing the application and monitoring of Australian music content quotas for commercial radio;
• Investing in Sounds Australia’s music exports program;
• Prioritising and supporting Australian music at government activities and events;
• Developing mutually beneficial visa arrangements with the United States of America to allow artists from both countries to more easily showcase and tour;
• Encouraging states and territories to improve access to music education for public primary and secondary school students; 
• Investing in initiatives aimed at training and supporting Australian artists and industry professionals to grow and develop their businesses;
• Investing in grants and industry partnerships that support artists in the creation of new music and new recordings; and
• Investing in Support Act to enable it to expand its services and deliver crisis support for artists and others working in the Australian music industry.

In August last year, Federal Minister for Communications and the Arts, Mitch Fifield, asked the Committee to inquire into and report on: Factors contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Australian music industry. 

It has held a series of public hearings and received a range of public submission.

The Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts is appointed under Standing Order 215.

The Committee may inquire into and report on any matter referred to it by either the House of Representatives or a Minister, including any pre-legislation proposal, bill, motion, petition, vote or expenditure, other financial matter, report or document.