A CRITICAL ELECTION FOR THE QUEENSLAND MUSIC INDUSTRY

QMusic has been in ongoing discussions with our key political parties in the lead-up to the October 26 election about how deeply the Queensland music industry and nighttime economy have been struggling due to cost-of-living pressures.

As an industry that relies on disposable income, we have been devastated by inflationary pressures, and we need to ensure that our state's music sector survives this challenge.

Across our country, the last three state-wide elections have seen significant commitments to grow and protect the music industry from each state government; with SA committing up to $10m, the VIC Government committing $14m (plus $20m to Always Live) and NSW most recently announcing an annual $18.5m.

QMusic pitched $8.75m a year - or $35m over four years - targeted to deliver a mix of regional sector development, professional development programs for artists and industry, export initiatives, special event support and grants to secure our state's venues, festivals, artists and the music businesses.

QMusic acknowledges the Queensland Greens, who responded with a written commitment of at least $35 million over four years to support the local music industry in addition to a Statewide Arts policy platform on their website.

We also welcome both the recent written response from the Queensland Labor Party re-affirming their support for the industry to date, and committing to discussing the industry funding proposal ahead of next year’s State budget if elected, and the response from the LNP committing to begin consultation with QMusic following the election to build a thriving Queensland music industry.

The full responses from both parties on their policy positions can be viewed here, here, here.

Finally, we'd to acknowledge the bipartisan support for the local industry expressed through the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry events. 

Whatever the result on Saturday 26 October, QMusic looks forward to working with the elected government to build a long-term plan for Queensland’s music industry - especially the thousands of small businesses that it includes. Without a proactive partnership, Queensland risks falling behind every other State when it comes to music industry development and export potential. 

There are no doubt many issues that voters are weighing up at this election — but we hope that the survival and success of our music industry is one of them.