To our members and the wider music community,

More than 2,000 artists and industry professionals have signed an open letter asking QMusic to take a more transparent, braver stand in support of artistic freedom and the right to speak.

We hear you, and we are committed to acting with care and accountability.

This has been one of the most complex and challenging moments in QMusic’s history. In navigating a deeply sensitive situation, we acknowledge that our response has not met the expectations of all parts of our community. 

QMusic exists to support artists — not to manage them, censor them or protect others from the discomfort that art can cause.

What happened at this year’s Queensland Music Awards has sparked a national conversation. Not just about one moment or one artist but about the boundaries of expression, the role of public institutions and the invisible lines drawn when art is seen as “too political”.

We believe those conversations are critical and we believe QMusic must help lead them.

We recognise the deep trauma and division caused by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, as well as the concerning rise in anti-Semitic activity both globally and here in Queensland. We support the view that there is no place for hate, discrimination or racism in our state.

We disagree with the Lord Mayor’s decision to withdraw funding from an event designed to celebrate the achievements of Queensland’s music community – a decision made without consultation. While we will continue dialogue with Council and our funding partners, we must be clear: it cannot become standard practice for governments to revoke support in response to artistic expression they disagree with.

That is not how democracy — or the arts — should work.

We are in regular contact with Kellee Green, offering support and connecting her with additional assistance and wellbeing services. We know this has taken a personal toll and we will continue to provide care in line with our values and responsibilities.

But we understand this goes beyond one individual. This is about culture, expectations and ensuring that artists remain safe to challenge the status quo.

We want to say this clearly: QMusic has no interest in controlling what artists say about their work. That is not our role. Our role is to protect the conditions in which art can be made and heard — even, and especially, when it challenges us.

We also recognise that with this freedom comes responsibility. While we prioritise an artist’s right to creative expression, we also have a duty to ensure our events are safe, inclusive and respectful. That balance is not always simple, but it is something we take seriously and will continue to strive to manage with care.

We also recognise that the systems we work within, including government partnerships and public funding, come with pressures. We don’t pretend to be immune to that, but we reject the idea that funding should come at the expense of artistic freedom.

We’ve heard the feedback from our community and understand there are ways we can better show up in our communication, our processes and our care. This reflection informs our next steps.

We are undertaking a review of the QMAs, including how we honour artistic expression, uphold safety, advocate for artists and foster a culture of mutual respect. This includes reflecting on QMusic’s role as an industry convener and cultural advocate.

We will continue to work constructively with our funding partners to ensure that artistic freedom, cultural safety and community confidence can co-exist.

We don’t have all the answers, but we are listening, we are learning, and we are committed to representing Queensland’s music industry with strength and integrity.

QMusic Board & CEO