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Advocacy

APRA AMCOS takes its leadership position and responsibility seriously, securing good relations with political parties across the spectrum and collaborating with creative industry colleagues to find agreed policy positions to advocate. From AI to live music, education, exports and sustainable careers, we are continually seeking better outcomes, not just for our members, but for the industry as a whole. With these strong local and global partnerships, APRA AMCOS continues to be a driving force in advocating for a more vibrant and sustainable creative sector.

Photo: AJ Taylor

  • Since last year’s reported loss of 1,300 licensed live music venues, or one-third of the total compared to pre-pandemic numbers, OneMusic Australia reports a 19% year-on-year increase, bringing the total number of licensed venues to 4,548. Some of this growth is attributed to existing venues offering live music again as well as new bars and brewery venues offering live music for the first time.
  • Despite this increase in live music stages, there are still 13% fewer than before Covid and licence fees are 25% lower, likely the result of artists being paid less to perform. It’s estimated that artists have lost over AU$600m in income since FY19.
  • In New Zealand, it is a similar story. Venue numbers have increased 9% YoY, however there are 17% fewer stages and artists have lost out on NZ$33m in income since FY19.
  • While growth in licensed venues and Performance Reports submissions is a positive development, challenges remain with changes in consumer behaviour, reduced performance opportunities and rising venue operating costs (including public liability insurance) exacerbated by the pandemic.
  • New South Wales (21%), Victoria (19%) and Queensland (19%) have seen a good rebound in stage numbers over the last 12 months. Tasmania has seen the strongest growth at 35% and is now ahead of 2018 numbers.


  • In June 2024, we gave a submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee for Communications and the Arts inquiry into the challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry.
  • APRA AMCOS continues to lobby state and territory governments to legislate for establishing special entertainment precincts to foster and protect new and existing live music venues.
  • A new tax rebate for Australia’s live music sector would be transformative, not only for the economy but also for the nation’s cultural and social wellbeing. Despite a 19% increase in licensed live music venues, the industry is still 13% smaller than before the pandemic and artists have lost an estimated AU$600 million in live earnings.
  • Live music is the cultural heartbeat of Australia, enriching communities, supporting regional development and providing a crucial social outlet for young people. It’s also the feeding ground for global music exports, helping local talent build the foundations for international success. By offering a tax rebate, we can strengthen the ecosystem that nurtures the next generation of artists, ensuring Australia remains a global music powerhouse while revitalising the social and cultural fabric of the nation.

*NB. Assumes venues and live music earnings remained flat from FY19 onwards