2025 APRA Writer election candidates
Phillip Beazley
BIOGRAPHY
Phil has primarily been a production music composer, having had usage throughout the world working for many large and boutique libraries including Universal, BMG, Chappell and Bruton, composing in a wide variety of styles. He holds an Associate Diploma in Jazz Studies from the NSW Conservatorium, formed his own original fusion band, studied with Eric Gross, professor of music at Sydney University and wrote for small classical ensembles as well as forming an improvisational electronic trio. He co-wrote the Australian top 10 song by John Farnham and Danni’Elle ‘Communication’ and co-wrote the soundtrack to the Palme d’Or winning film The Cup.
He has been an Australian Music Examinations Board examiner and holds a Masters degree in Music Technology.
Since October 2024 he has been a Councillor on the MidCoast Council NSW and is a member of their Arts and Culture Committee.
ELECTION STATEMENT
My goal as a candidate for the APRA AMCOS Board of Directors will be to champion the rights, interests and creative futures of our songwriter, composer and publisher members. I am committed to ensuring fair and transparent royalty distribution, strengthening advocacy for creators in an evolving digital environment, and supporting initiatives that foster sustainability and innovation across the music industry.
As a Councillor on a regional NSW council, I represent people who rarely get a say in decisions made in capital cities or industry boardrooms. I understand transparent governance, financial pressure, and the need to deliver fairness. APRA AMCOS is at a turning point on issues like AI, copyright enforcement, and efficient operations. I bring policy experience, public accountability, and a regional voice that’s often missing from the national conversation. Whether you’re a major artist or a songwriter working from your lounge room, representation shouldn’t be a privilege.
Through collaborative leadership, strategic governance, and a deep respect for the voices of our members, I will work to protect the value of music and assist in the continued building of a thriving music community where creativity is respected, nurtured, and rewarded.
Dr Robert Burke
BIOGRAPHY
Robert Burke is an internationally acclaimed composer, performer, and researcher with a career spanning more than 40 years across jazz, popular, improvisation, experimental, new, and classical music. He has performed internationally at major festivals and venues, released 17 albums under his own name, and contributed (performance-composition) to over 300 recordings, including The Black Sorrows, Kate Ceberano, Paul Grabowsky, George Lewis, and Hermeto Pascoal. His work blends improvisation, composition, and performance, positioning him at the forefront of multiple musical traditions.
As an Associate Professor at Monash University, Robert’s research investigates creativity, copyright, ethics, and the intersection of composition and improvisation. He leads the ARC-funded project Diversifying Music in Australia, the first national study of gender equity in jazz and improvisation. His research actively informs practice, shaping how musicians, educators, and institutions approach practice, composition and creativity.
Robert is the President and founder of the Australasian Jazz and Improvisation Research Network (AJIRN), creating platforms for collaboration and research dissemination across Oceania and Asia. He has served as Head of School and Head of Jazz and Improvisation Studies at Monash University. A member of APRA for 35 years and AMCOS for 21, he brings deep industry knowledge and strong advocacy for creators’ rights.
ELECTION STATEMENT
Music is relevant when it’s performed, heard, and shared, and as streaming and AI reshape the landscape, ensuring fair recognition and payment for creators is more important than ever.
I want to bring to APRA the perspective of someone who has lived both sides at a national and international level: as a composer and performer across jazz, pop, classical, experimental, filmwork/jingles, and as a researcher deeply engaged with questions of creativity, ethics, and sustainability. I know how challenging it is for artists to thrive in a landscape where streaming royalties are problematic, AI is reshaping creation and ethics, and diversity and equity still require tangible action.
If elected, I will work to strengthen APRA’s leadership in ensuring licensing models are sustainable, royalty distribution remains transparent, and advocacy continues to amplify the value of every creator’s work. Drawing on my research expertise, I will bring evidence-based approaches that can help drive meaningful change in government policy. I will also champion diversity and inclusion, ensuring APRA represents the full breadth of our music community.
My commitment is simple: to ensure APRA not only protects our rights but creates the conditions for all of us to thrive.
Francesca de Valence
BIOGRAPHY
Francesca de Valence is a songwriter, teacher and entrepreneur whose work has shaped communities and careers across Australia and beyond. She is the founder of I Heart Songwriting Club (IHSC), a global initiative that has supported thousands of songwriters and facilitated the creation of over 35,000 songs — some nominated for ARIA Awards, synched to feature films, and headlining world tours. Her programs now nurture regional songwriting communities, providing practical tools, mentorship, and development pathways for writers of all skill levels.
Francesca is also co-founder of the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival, creating professional development opportunities for established Australian artists and mentorship for emerging talent in the region.
With a streak of writing a song every week for 11 years, she continues to co-write with artists including Vika & Linda, Wendy Matthews, Mirusia, Tia Gostelow, Jude York, and Mark Sholtez, resulting in numerous recorded cuts (though no hits… yet).
Holding post-graduate degrees in music and education, Francesca has taught at leading universities and led workshops worldwide, collaborating with APRA AMCOS, Irish Music Rights Organisation, and Folk Alliance International. She also shares her expertise through her podcast, The Magic of Songwriting, mentoring and inspiring songwriters globally.
ELECTION STATEMENT
Hi, I’m Francesca from Magandjin (Brisbane) — a songwriter, teacher, and entrepreneur committed to ensuring songwriters are at the table and represented in every decision that affects their work and livelihoods.
If elected as your Writer Director, I will treat this paid professional role with the responsibility it deserves. I will be an advocate for songwriters and bring their perspectives to the board.
APRA’s core role is to serve members as a Collection Management Organisation — collecting and distributing royalties transparently and efficiently. When it goes beyond its core responsibility, I would provide a viewpoint for APRA to ensure their programs provide equitable access, clear communication, and useful resources for all members.
As founder and CEO of I Heart Songwriting Club, I’ve spent over a decade building systems that support thousands of songwriters worldwide, from emerging creatives to ARIA-recognised artists. My approach is grounded in transparency, inclusivity and innovative thinking — values I will bring to APRA’s governance.
Alongside currently serving as Secretary on the QMusic Board, I’m undertaking a Diploma in Governance to strengthen my skills in ethical, effective board leadership.
I would be honoured to represent you and ask for your vote at this year’s AGM.
Jenny Morris OAM MNZM (Incumbent Australian Writer Director)
BIOGRAPHY
Jenny Morris OAM, MNZM.
Non executive writer director and current Chair of the APRA Board.
I am a singer, songwriter, performer and recording artist.
Musical accomplishments include:
- Induction into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame in 2018
- Two back-to-back ARIA Awards for Best Female Artist
- Nine albums that achieved gold, platinum and multi-platinum status and numerous top 5 - top 20 charting singles, across Australia and NZ.
I have always been a passionate advocate for the rights and advancement of music makers and creators and I continue to be!
ELECTION STATEMENT
I am a singer, songwriter, performer and recording artist. I am a champion and advocate for Australia's songwriters and composers, locally and globally.
There’s never been a more important time to stand up for our industry.
The tech theft of music creators’ works is happening with impunity. I've led the APRA Board through some of its most difficult periods including COVID but this crisis is on a different level.
My priorities as Chair are to mitigate such crises and to that end I have developed a strong working relationship with the APRA management team. APRA is internationally recognised as one of the world's best and I'm very proud to have played a role in that success. I have met with Prime Ministers and Ministers of all levels of government. Those relationships work for our industry.
They can help support 'live performance' by way of tax offsets, push for more local content on TV, film, streaming platforms and radio and put better music education in schools.
You, our writers, are hitting goals but that’s just the beginning. I want to take you higher. I hope you’ll support me.
