Can Australian Music Survive in the Age of Spotify?
LMVA (Live Music Venues Alliance, NSW) participated in a NSW parliamentary inquiry hearing on 18 May at Parliament House, Sydney.
The inquiry is examining what LMVA and others, including the ALMBC, have described as a “fragile” live music sector in New South Wales.
The hearing builds on the NSW Government’s introduction of the Music Bill 2026 earlier this year, which established a three-tier venue accreditation scheme recognising “dedicated,” “significant,” and “live music” venues, designed to direct government support including extended trading hours, grants, and dispute mediation services.
LMVA President Tyla Dombroski (CEO of Crowbar), noted that discounted liquor licence fees are making a tangible difference, with NSW venues now paying just 8.8% of the comparable fees paid by venues in Queensland.
Separately, LMVA recently launched MyGigPass with NSW Government support, a program designed to boost live music engagement for young audiences.
