APRA AMCOS welcomes Albanese Government's 2025-26 Federal Budget
Urges all parties to commit to the next phase: a Triple Lock Guarantee for local music
APRA AMCOS applauds the Albanese Government’s 2025–26 Federal Budget as a key step in continuing to deliver on the vision of the Revive National Cultural Policy. With an election expected in the coming weeks, we are urging all parties to now commit to the next phase: a Triple Lock Guarantee for local music.
Creative Australia's appropriation for the continued implementation of the National Cultural Policy, Revive, increases by $17 million, which includes a forecast increase for Music Australia. We also welcome $8.6 million to renew the Revive Live program, supporting live music venues, tours and festivals, and $11 million to continue the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Partnership Program.
CEO Dean Ormston said the government has demonstrated a clear vision with these ongoing and targeted commitments to the music industry.
“This is a welcome and timely Budget that recognises the growing role music plays in our national identity, economy and global reach,” Dean Ormston says. “Music Australia has already made a powerful impact in its first two years by supporting emerging and established artists, strengthening our national industry infrastructure, and building new international pathways for Australian music.
“The increased investment in the Budget means Music Australia can move into its next phase with confidence, and so can our creators and industry.”
Ormston said that while the Budget sets a strong foundation, key long-term reforms must now become the focus of government after the election.
“Australia now has a once in a generation opportunity to finish the job,” he adds. “We need a Triple Lock Guarantee to secure the future of Australian music. This begins with all parties committing to it as part of their election platforms.”
The three “locks” are:
"Streaming services are now the number one way Australians discover music, but without updated local content rules, Australian music risks being drowned out by global algorithms,” Ormston explains.
A tax rebate for live music – the third lock – remains a vital reform to restore performance opportunities and rebuild the economic foundation of Australia’s live music scene.
"A live music tax rebate would be a game-changer. Just like film and television, our live sector deserves structural support that reflects its cultural and economic impact. It’s about keeping venues open, tours on the road, and jobs in the industry.”
We also called on the government to introduce urgent transparency regulation for Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms using creative works to train generative models.
“AI is already reshaping the way music is created, consumed and monetised, often without the consent or knowledge of the people who make it,” Ormston adds. “We need clear, enforceable rules around the training of AI models, including transparency about what content is being used. Without this, Australian creators risk being exploited, their works devalued and their voices erased.”
The call for a Triple Lock Guarantee builds on the recommendations of the recent Parliamentary Inquiry into Australian Live Music, which highlighted the need for long-term investment, regulatory reform and structural support to secure a vibrant, diverse and sustainable music sector. We will engage with all parties in the lead-up to the election to ensure music policy remains a national priority.
“This Budget shows what’s possible when government works in partnership with industry,” Ormston concludes.“Now we need the next Parliament to finish the job – and lock in the future of great Australian music for good.”