Australia is set for the 2025 federal election this Saturday, May 3rd..
In the lead-up to the 2025 federal election, politicians and pundits have banged the drum on the cost-of-living crisis, affordable accommodation, energy, education, welfare and more.
The music industry, meanwhile, has that sinking feeling — weighed down by an assortment of troubles on the live front, while recording artists struggle to stand out on streaming platforms.
Help is needed.
Earlier this month, a cadre of industry organisations launched “Vote Music 2025,” a campaign that called on all political parties to build for a stronger future for Australian music.
As previously reported, the project outlines five key goals to support more jobs, stronger communities, and help local music reach more people both at home and overseas.
“Vote Music 2025” hails greater support for live music, venues, and music education; stronger rights for artists, and protections around AI and copyright; better promotion of Australian music on radio, streaming and screen; support for community programs, mental health services and safe workplaces; and help for Aussie artists to tour overseas and grow global audiences.
Some parties have listened and responded. From the LNP, crickets.
The Music Network gathered those notable pre-election promises for assistance and backing for “Vote Music”.
Tony Burke, Minister for the Arts, Leader of the House
The Albanese Labor Government is passionate about the importance of the music sector and we want our own music to continue [to] be the soundtrack to life in Australia.
That’s why we established Music Australia as part of Creative Australia through our National Cultural Police Revive: a place for every story, a story for everyplace.
Music Australia has been supported with $69.4 million in funding over four years to not only support and promote the Australian contemporary music industry, but to also increate discoverability, develop markets and grow audiences.
A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest a total of $25 million over the next two years to extend the successful Revive Live program, providing critical support for Australia’s live music venues and festivals.
The Albanese Labor Government has already delivered $7.8 million in Revive Live funding which supported 112 live music businesses, including 63 music festival-based activities and 49 live music venues.
This critical extension of funding will create more opportunities for new and established acts to perform, be discovered and enjoyed by audiences.
We have also announced that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest an additional $12.5 million to refurbish the home of the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), the South Melbourne Town Hall.
Our Government believes that artists are real workers with real careers. They make a substantial cultural and economic contribution to our country. They deserve a government that backs them with world-class training organisations.
This funding will ensure the long-term viability of ANAM, so they can continue to train the finest young musicians who contribute to the soundtrack of Australia.
The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to implement Revive. The list of achievements delivered through Revive is long, but we know we have more to do. A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will never stop working to ensure our stories are being told through all forms of art.
That’s why shortly after the election, a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will again begin consultation with the sector, to help inform Australia’s next cultural policy.
If we continue to get this right, we will see each other no matter who we are. We will see ourselves on stage, hear ourselves in song, read our own stories that reflect our homes in poetry, in narrative and on the screen. As a result, we will see ourselves more clearly, we will learn more about each other and the world will come to know us better.
Sarah Hanson-Young, Australian Greens’ Senator for South Australia
Dear Musicians of Australia
This election, as always, the Greens are backing Australian music and are committed to a suite of policies aimed at supporting our local industry to not only survive, but also thrive.
I am proud to back the call from Vote Music for investment to strengthen Australian Music.
The Greens believe Australian audiences deserve to hear Australian music. Music and live performance are vital to our culture, our economy, and our sense of community. Artists and venues need more than short-term grants – they need structural support to survive and thrive, which is why the Greens have developed a comprehensive plan to support the future and sustainability of our arts.
This election, the Greens have committed to:
Invest $2 billion to support the sustainability of the arts across the next decade
Introduce Live Performance Tax offsets to reduce upfront costs for venues, touring artists and production
Live Music venues
- 10 per cent tax offsets for the costs of hosting live music
Touring artists
- 50 per cent tax offset for travel expenses
Theatre productions
- 40 per cent tax offset for the costs of live theatre production (similar to screen producer offset)
Establish a Festivals Support Package to focus on supporting local and independent festivals
- $20 million a year in grants, including high maximum grants and ability to use funds on-site infrastructure
- $2 million to fund a review of the market failure of insurance into the live music industry and establish a government backed insurance scheme
- Create a festivals strategy through Music Australia to ensure federal and state government coordination and support
Our fully costs arts policy is available here.
Arts matters, music matters and work in the creative industries is real and important work.
The Greens have always been and always will be the party for the arts. This election, to support our arts and creative industry, a vote for the Greens is a vote for our arts.
David Pocock, Independent Senator for the ACT
To Australia’s recording artists, songwriters, and music industry leaders,
Re: Vote Music 2025
Thank you for your invitation to stand with Australian music. I am proud to say: I do.
Throughout my life, I’ve seen the unique power of music to connect, challenge, and inspire communities across the country. From the recording artists and songwriters who tell our stories, to the venues, festivals, labels, and businesses small and large that amplify them – music is an important part of Australian cultural and economic life.
Music also plays a critical role in the lives of young people. In a time of growing mental health challenges, access to creative expression and safe spaces through music can be life-changing.
Supporting the infrastructure that enables this means investing in wellbeing, resilience, and community connection for the next generation.
Words are important, but actions matter. That’s why last year I introduced the Copyright Legislation Amendment (Fair Pay for Radio Play) Bill. It was a step toward fairness and recognition for Australian recording artists. I remain committed to removing the outdated radio caps that continue to disadvantage local talent and will continue to advocate for fair and modern content rules that ensure
Australian stories are heard during radio’s most prominent hours.
This is just one example of the broader change we need. I strongly support the Vote Music 2025 agenda and the policy proposals it sets out. In the next term of Parliament, I will back measures that secure and enhance the future of Music Australia, deliver practical reform for the live sector, and ensure that Australian recording artists and small businesses thrive in the evolving digital and AI environment.
This election is a chance to reinforce our national commitment to music – not just as entertainment, but as a serious driver of community, jobs, small business, and global creative export. I support your vision, and I will work with you to make it real.
