Australians in the Eden-Monaro electorate have voiced their support for federal government investment in Australian music and indicated that a commitment to invest in the industry could influence their vote in the upcoming federal election, according to national survey results delivered this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The results were released in the lead-up to the election by APRA AMCOS – Australasian Performing Right Association and the Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society, who together are responsible for the non-profit collection and distribution of songwriting royalties to approximately 87,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members, and around 3,000,000 copyright owners worldwide.
Yass area musician Bruce Smeaton and APRA member has more than 95 television and music scores to his name and has created lots of other music. He served on the board as a writer/director for 12 years and claims to be most likely Australia’s first entirely self-supporting composer not supplementing his income by performing, grants, salaries or anything else.
“Not all musicians come out of rich families and they often need help,” he said.
He said it was vital that the Federal Government supported the music industry and local musicians and music programs, as they often needed support to flourish.
“I’ve been very impressed with the US music education system where the music departments are terrific and everyone is encouraged to try everything,” Mr Smeaton said.
According to the APRA survey, 100 per cent of those polled in the Eden-Monaro electorate believe the federal government should invest in Australian music.
Importantly, 59 per cent of those surveyed confirmed that a commitment to a significant investment in Australian music would influence their vote in the federal election. A further 33 per cent said a commitment to invest would possibly influence their voting decision.
When asked why federal government should invest in the local music industry, respondents answered:
- 81 per cent It’s an export industry worth millions of dollars to the economy
- 99 per cent It’s an important part of our culture and identity
- 84 per cent I like to be able to go and see live music near me
- 76 per cent It creates job growth and drives innovation
The survey results are backed by figures that prove an investment in Australian music will drive innovation, domestic jobs and growth, and export potential:
- Australia’s contemporary music industry is a multi-billion dollar contributor to the Australian economy, with live contemporary music generating revenue of $2 billion annually.
- The entire contemporary music sector contributes close to $6 billion to the Australian economy annually.
- Contemporary music in Australia generates jobs and growth. Expenditure associated with live music in Australia is estimated to create close to 65,000 full time and part time jobs.
- Every $1 spent on live music contributes $3 back into the economy.
- Australia is the 6th largest music market in the world.
- More Australian songwriters and musicians are succeeding on the global stage. The number of Australian artists showcasing at international events, supported by the Sounds Australia export office, has grown from 49 per year in 2009 to over 200 per year in 2014 and 2015.
- Australian songwriters broke 2014/2015 records with a 25 per cent increase in international performance royalty income.
