Music Victoria report cites challenges of unpaid performances, closed venues and bullying

A newly released report from Music Victoria has revealed that the industry is facing major challenges as it emerges from the pandemic amid mounting business, cultural and capacity problems.

The Music Victoria Priorities for the Victorian Music Industry white paper shows that less than half of the Victorian businesses licensed for live music performances in 2019 have so far renewed their licences for 2021/22 while the industry struggles with endemic harassment, bullying and low pay.

Released today, the white paper seeks to build the global recognition of the live music sector, as a key driver of Victoria’s economic, cultural and social prosperity.

However, among a series of challenges facing the sector, it cites musicians struggling to make minimum wage for their performances and that many venues and performers have simply given up.

The report painted a stark picture of working conditions for musicians, with one in four performances unpaid and contracts regularly broken without compensation.

It found little diversity in the industry, with about three-quarters of performance opportunities filled by men, and a longstanding culture of bullying and harassment.

As a result, Music Victoria has called for minimum standards for pay, diversity and industry conduct, going on to recommend the creation of industry investment schemes, a national affordable insurance scheme and changes to licensing regulations so local councils can decide on noise limits.

In a statement, Music Victoria Chief Executive, Simone Schinkel (pictured below) advised “our proposed key actions are extremely achievable and will cement Victoria as a global music leader.

“The potential outcomes will continue to benefit all Victorians and music lovers across the globe.”

The report also noted that growing gentrification, inflexible planning rules and liquor licence freezes have meant Melbourne venues in particular are being squeezed while, in regional Victoria, many venues don’t have the equipment to host high-quality performances, while the system of government-run performing arts centres is staffed by people with little knowledge of live music programming.

Citing threats such as high job insecurity remains high, limited access to skilled labour and endemic  bullying, other insights in the white paper include:

• One in four gigs are unpaid - Musicians Australia

• Only 15% felt safe at work - Support Act (May 2022)

• Only 47% of the venues licensed for live music in 2019, have so far renewed their licenses for 2021/2022.

• A risk that the Victorian music industry will stifle its ability to adapt, innovate and thrive post-COVID-19.

Nonetheless, Schinkel went on to highlight the value of the industry, stating “the Victorian live music sector contributes over $1.7 billion per year in GDP, creates over 116,000 jobs and returns $3 for every $1 invested.”

Explaining the pre-pandemic export value of the Victoria’s live music industry as being worth $195 million, the peak advocacy body noted that five out of the six Australian acts at Glastonbury in 2022 were from Victoria.

Looing forward, Schinkel added “our focus is to enable a vibrant, healthy and sustainable music industry accessible to all Australians.”
A separate independent review of sexual harassment in the industry is due to be released later this week.

Click here to view The Music Victoria Priorities for the Victorian Music Industry white paper.

Main image credit: Shutterstock.