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Industry groups including the Australian Live Music Business Council (ALMBC) and music licencing body APRA AMCOS have welcomed recommendations in the newly report on the future of live music in Australia by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts.

Among its 20 recommendations, the report, Am I Ever Gonna See You Live Again?, calls for a ticket levy on large music events to raise funds grassroots music and venues, tax offsets for the live music industry and improved regulation of live music ticket sales.

Welcoming the findings, ALMBC Chair, Howard Adams released a statement advising that “the ALMBC is delighted that all of our recommendations have been accepted”.

ALMBC’s recommendations, including:

• The development of an Arena Ticket Levy
• Insurance reform including a partnership between the ALMBC and Music Australia to support risk mitigation for live music businesses
• Expansion of the Revive Live funding program
• Training and support for regional live music venues

Adams added that the ALMBC also supports the recommendations submitted by our partners across national music organisations and agreed by the committee, such as:

• Michael’s Rule to ensure local supports for international touring acts
• Focus on young people’s engagement with live music
• Development of special entertainment precincts across the continent
• National changes to policing at festivals
• Research into live music economies without reliance on alcohol sales
• Focus on Australian content in live streaming services

Other recommendation in the report included explored the viability of a rebate or voucher scheme to incentivise younger audiences to attend live music; and looking into the creation of “special entertainment precincts” within state, territory and local governments.

Committee Chair Brian Mitchell, the Federal MP for Lyons in Tasmania, commented “we’ve recommended that more work be done to encourage an appreciation of music education, mainly because it’s great for kids’ brains, but also because it fosters a love of music that will remain into adulthood, creating a new generation of music appreciation.

“Of all the recommendations we’ve made, that to me is the most important: teach kids how to play music, not just how to stick airpods in their ears.”

In response to the inquiry, APRA AMCOS Chief Executive, Dean Ormston noted “this report delivers a roadmap for a stronger, more sustainable Australian music industry that can thrive both at home and on the world stage.

“This is a chance to get the policy settings right, to build on the co-investment of successive Australian governments, back the venues and festivals that bring live music to audiences and ensure that our artists have the opportunities they deserve, both here and internationally.”

Ormston went on to say “live music is a $16 billion industry supporting 41,000 jobs, yet the venues, festivals and events that take the risks to put on shows have been left without the same level of support as other creative industries.

“That’s why a tax rebate for live music is such a critical reform - it would be an investment in jobs, cultural vibrancy and ensure live music remains central to Australian life. We’ve been advocating for this since 2016, and it’s time to get it done.”

APRA AMCOS has previously recommended a tax offset for live music and the expansion of the Federal Government’s Revive Live program. It has also advocated for the importance of Special Entertainment Precincts, the boosting of Australian live music exports, and strengthening local output on streaming services.

Ormston went on to say “the Committee’s recommendations validate years of advocacy from APRA AMCOS and our partners across the ecosystem, ensuring live music, venues and artists have the policy support they need to thrive.

“Australia is home to some of the most innovative, world-class songwriters and performers on the planet, but without confident policy interventions, the gains we've made will be hamstrung.

“We need to shift gears and get serious about securing a thriving future for Australian music. This isn’t just about the music industry, it’s about who we are as a nation. Australian music tells our stories, shapes our identity, and is one of our most powerful global exports.”

Click here to read the Am I Ever Gonna See You Live Again? report.

Images: ALMBC Chair Howard Adams (top, credit: ALMBC) and live music at Sydney's Oxford Art Factory (below).

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