2026 APRA Publisher election nominees
Maree Hamblion, Universal Music Publishing Pty Limited
BIOGRAPHY
Maree Hamblion is Executive Vice President, A&R & Creative for Australia and New Zealand at Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).
Maree began her music industry career at PolyGram Music in 1993 before joining EMI Music Publishing in 1995 as an A&R Assistant. She went on to hold a number of senior A&R leadership positions throughout the company's evolution, including its transition to Sony Music Publishing in 2012, before joining Universal Music Publishing in 2024.
Throughout her career, Maree has played an instrumental role in the local and international success of some of Australia and New Zealand's most recognised and acclaimed songwriters, including Joel Little, Sarah Aarons, Alex Hope, Stan Walker, Lindsay Rimes, Jawsh 685, Lime Cordiale, Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy and Styalz Fuego.
ELECTION STATEMENT
Maree has spent over 3 decades passionately working with and advocating for Australian and New Zealand songwriters at every stage of their musical journey and has a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing both songwriters and publishers across an ever-evolving music landscape.
She is committed to listening, contributing constructively to discussion, and advocating for a strong, sustainable music ecosystem that supports and protects songwriters and publishers into the future.
Karen Hamilton, 120 Music Publishing Pty Ltd
BIOGRAPHY
Karen has over 30 years experience in the industry across A&R, Copyright, Royalties & Licensing and is currently the General Manager at 120 Publishing. Having previously worked at AMCOS, MMA Music, Mana Music and Warner Chappell, in 1998 she joined John Woodruff Management to work across recordings, publishing and management for Savage Garden, and a short time later partnered with John and Keith Welsh to form Rough Cut Music Publishing. Over the next decade the company signed and developed several prominent Australian artists including Evermore, Kisschasy, Trial Kennedy and The Butterfly Effect. In 2011 she launched 120 Publishing - a full-service publisher with a special interest in working closely with dance & electronic music writers, producers and topliners, and a focus on setting up collaborations between domestic writers and international artists. The company currently represents more than 50 independent Australian songwriters and artists, together with several key international catalogues for sub-publishing. Karen is passionate about mentoring young songwriters, the export of Australian music into new markets, and the fair and accurate distribution of live performance income from nightclubs and festivals. She is currently the Deputy Chair of AMPAL and an AMCOS board member.
ELECTION STATEMENT
I am honoured to stand for election to the APRA Board. With over three decades of experience in the music industry, mostly with Australian-owned independent companies, I believe I bring an important and unique perspective. Starting out in mechanical licensing at AMCOS, my career has spanned a diverse range of roles including A&R, copyright, royalties and licensing, giving me a broad and practical understanding of how the different parts of our industry work together. I have served as General Manager at 120 Publishing, a predominantly dance & electronic music publisher, since its inception in 2011. I actively contribute to the industry as Director and Deputy Chair of AMPAL, foundation member of the Club Music Advisory Group, panellist for APRA’s national Rights & Royalties events, and judge for the PDAs. Throughout my career I have been a strong advocate for Australian songwriters, creating opportunities for their music and ensuring their rights and royalties are properly recognised. I believe it's important for independent publishers and diverse music genres to have a strong Board presence. If elected, I will bring that independent perspective to the Board and advocate for a fair, transparent and effective organisation that serves the interests of all APRA members.
Craig Monagle, Warner Chappell Music Australia
BIOGRAPHY
Craig joined Warner Chappell in 2021 following a long career in public accounting and business advisory positions.
Craig brings a great depth of experience and knowledge from his extensive roles prior to joining the music publishing industry.
His experience provides a foundation for the support of the recognition of songwriters and their invaluable contribution to society.
He remains involved in tech applications and software development processes, providing important technical knowledge to the AMCOS Board and Committees. Craig also sits on the AMPAL board, advocating for the awareness, development and interests of the music publishing industry domestically and internationally.
Craig holds an Honours degree in Law, a Commerce degree, post-graduate qualifications in Law and Accounting and is a member of the CPA.
Craig is also a Director and Treasurer of the AMPAL Board.
ELECTION STATEMENT
It’s an honour to be able to nominate for the APRA board. I am driven by a passion for the rights of writers and publishers alike, ensuring that our rights and the exclusive permissions that come with them are protected, and where exploited, are fairly compensated.
We are in a competitive rights management environment, and need to be looking to constantly improve and iterate on our systems, transparency and advocacy for our members. Drawing on learnings in my time at Warner Chappell, I support the establishment of frameworks that help us benchmark performance, optimise distributions and drive meaningful progress.
It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to serve on the AMCOS and AMPAL boards for the last two years, and in those positions have brought relentless energy with a collaborative spirit, proactively taking part in the efforts to promote our industry’s interests. If elected to the APRA board I would bring the same dedication and drive as I do in these roles.
Craig Redfearn, Origin Music Publishing Pty Ltd
BIOGRAPHY
Craig is the Chief Operating Officer of ORiGiN Music Publishing, with over twenty years of global music experience across almost all facets of the industry including publishing, record labels, artist management, media and venues.
This extensive experience ensures Craig maintains a holistic approach to working with artists, creatives and songwriters.
Prior to ORiGiN, Craig was a key part of the creation and development of the highly successful record label for BMG – with involvement in artist signing, creation of systems and processes, as well as extensive international marketing and branding for the roster. Craig held the role for over seven years.
During his time at ORiGiN Music Publishing, Craig has implemented significant change to the company both locally and globally, including doubling the number of songwriters signed to the company. Recent signings include three of the members of globally successful band Vacations, award winning producer Alex Burnett, Ninajirachi, Phil Jamieson, Katie Noonan, Ruby Fields, Teenage Joans, Thomas Porter, Horrorshow, tiffi, Eliza & The Delusionals, ZED, True Vibenation, Mincy and L-FRESH The Lion.
Craig was instrumental in setting up a Production Music company at ORiGiN and well as expanding the company’s international footprint with new sub-publishing partners across the globe.
ELECTION STATEMENT
It is an honour to stand for the APRA Board.
This is a crucial time for creatives. It is the most important moment in our industry’s history. Generative AI is being built on the work of songwriters and composers, without permission or payment. The decisions made in the next few years will decide whether creators are fairly valued for generations to come. Protecting the intellectual property of every APRA member has never mattered more.
As COO of ORiGiN Music Publishing, I work for an Australian-owned independent company. Our decisions are made locally, by people who live and work alongside the songwriters we represent. I believe that local perspective deserves a seat at the APRA table. An independent voice brings real diversity to the Board.
Our industry stands between a century of proud legacy and an uncertain future. The rights of generations of Australian songwriters must not be lost to new technology. I will work to carry that legacy safely into what comes next.
My commitment is simple: defend copyright, secure fair licensing as new technologies emerge, and make sure every Australian creator is properly paid for their work.