A Daley Labor Government will increase public support for the music industry from $4 million to $35 million, providing a boost to musicians, venues, and an industry that generates hundreds of millions of dollars to the NSW economy.

Since the Liberals and Nationals were elected in 2011, NSW has lost hundreds of music venues and thousands of jobs, and we are now losing music festivals as well.

Shadow Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy, John Graham, announced Labor’s plan for the music sector which includes:

• Increasing total funding for music to $35 million, up from $4 million per year over the last four years of the Liberal and National Government.
• Streamlining the licensing process for music festivals and allow organisers with an established record to obtain multi-year approvals for festivals.
• Rebuilding the suburban and regional touring circuit in NSW, with $1.3 million to support an “On the Road Again” program to take music industry promoters and booking agents on tour to regional venues and provide a substantial funding boost to the ‘Live and Local’ program.
• Direct support for artists to record and tour, including internationally through a new $1.3 million “Music Passport” program; and regionally and nationally through a new $5.1 million “band aid” program.
• Investing $4 million to support music festivals across NSW.

NSW Shadow Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy John Graham said:

“Labor wants to keep venues open, and keep musicians in work. We want festivals moving to NSW, not fleeing the jurisdiction.”

“The measures that we have announced will help the NSW music scene reach its potential.”

Labor candidate for Lane Cove, Andrew Zbik applauded the boost:

“Labor is committed to re-building our music industry, and resuscitating the regional touring circuit.”

“A small investment goes a long way in this sector, and we are committed to building stronger ties between government and the music industry.”

Labor’s plan to stop the Liberal Party’s war on live music comes after measures already announced to save live music in NSW, including implementing the Parliamentary Music Inquiry’s 60 recommendations to improve conditions for music venues.