Can Australian Music Survive in the Age of Spotify?
NSW and Victoria both have Labor governments, traditionally champions of live music. But right now, NSW is kicking with the wind in the last quarter, while Victoria seems stuck on the back foot.
NSW is kicking goals:
- Fast-tracking Special Entertainment Precincts (seven already live, more coming).
- Funding regional and remote festivals.
- Creating a successful music awards system.
- Cutting red tape and backing risk-taking.
- Investing in regional Music NSW programs and staff.
Last weekend in Burwood, NSW Arts Minister John Graham turned up to support a small music festival in Burwood NSW and is providing nearly $200K to launch a Special Entertainment Precinct in Burwood by the end 2025 (yes a few weeks away…)
Compare that to Port Phillip in Victoria—home to iconic venues— with a Special Entertainment Precinct fully endorsed by council since 2023, following extensive community and industry engagement, but still waiting for state approval and Council close to pulling the plug entirely. NSW leads by seven goals.
Outdoor events? NSW has $2.5M dedicated funding and direct ministerial support. Meanwhile, Victoria just saw the beloved Folk Rhythm & Life Festival cancelled days out over unclear processes, with state government nowhere to be seen. That’s another few goals to NSW.
Venues? NSW offers indie venues up to $80K for gear and soundproofing. Victoria talks “cultural overlays” and “agent of change,” which sounds good in theory but in reality leaves small venues vulnerable to costly developer lawsuits, rather than the developers having to bend to clear laws – and it also stops new grass roots venues opening, because they are then the change agent and liable for huge costs – just to bring live live to their community.
Another recent suggestion by Victorian -based researchers to make venues not-for-profit isn’t the fix either. Simple cash support – for small businesses that continue to provide the pathways for emerging artists and workers – is.
Amyl and The Sniffers recently proved Melbourne loves its venues and that they just need cash, not bureaucracy (although maybe dollars for artist fees & production could be better than beer…). NSW scores again—eight or nine goals in the closing minutes of the last quarter, with the wind at their back…
Why It Matters
The ALMBC fights for national solutions, following the clear instructions of our many members:
- National Insurance Reform
- National Live Music Venue Support
- National Arena ticket levy
We don’t want an uneven playing field—great new production in regional NSW, broken wires across the border. That does not benefit anyone. Touring needs consistency so venues and festivals survive without selling out to overseas companies. To make this easier to understand, think about our national rail system. The failure of Australian states to standardise rail gauges after Federation, resulted in a fragmented network with “breaks of gauge” that hindered interstate freight and passenger travel, making it less competitive and increasing operational costs. Thats what’s happening right now in our national touring network – lets fix it.
Yes, NSW once imposed lockouts, while Victoria was leading the pack in support for live music, but NSW have come back strong and are kicking with the wind.
Victoria needs to lift before the final siren blows – and the ALMBC are right with you – if ya need…
Lets support national best practice in building our music industry.
Viva La FRL!
