While each organisation is run differently, they all come together to form the Australian Music Industry Network, aka AMIN. AMIN acts as a unified voice on national issues, and runs projects that benefit the broader sector.
AMIN is responsible for the extremely useful Music Industry Legal Pack – a free set of fact sheets and checklists to help you navigate the business side of music – and the I LOVE LIVE MUSIC 60 Second Film Competition, which aims to highlight the importance of live music to everyday Australians.
“We provide a wealth of information about everything you need for a sustainable career like live touring, professional development and tax issues,” said Patrick. “We also represent musicians’ issues to government, so you can come to us with your issues and needs.”
He says that you can make the most of your membership by capitalising on the benefits offered. These include free workshops and masterclasses as well as the discounts on Virgin Australia airfares, accommodation and car hire that are available through AMIN’s partnership with Travel Beyond Group. The partnership is one way that AMIN is addressing the ongoing issue of income for musicians.
“We are also looking at trends and opportunities in the digital economy and creative industries to find new income sources for artists, and we are working with APRA AMCOS and Music Australia on the National Business Plan to present to the Federal Government and opposition as a case for investment and tax offsets for the industry,” he said.
In terms of national issues, the lockout laws affecting Sydney and potentially Queensland are also “a real concern.”
“Victoria and South Australia and the Live Music Office are sharing information about how to best protect and nurture live music,” said Patrick.
“It’s a process of: gather data showing the contribution of live music; research best practice around Australia and the world; find some champions in government (ideally on all sides); lobby to pass legislation to recognise the contribution of live music; persuade the government to establish a Live Music Roundtable to canvass and fix issues; and have a music industry rep on any council that helps set policy around liquor reform.”
In his home state, the team at Music Victoria is conducting an audit of live music in regional and outer suburban areas to identify urgent needs. They’re also looking at successful new models for live performance, like house parties, and working with organisations such as the AFL and Tourism Victoria to help push more Victorian music – all pretty exciting initiatives for music creators.
Patrick encourages music creators to investigate their local body and consider becoming a member.
“More members make a stronger peak body which builds a more robust industry which helps everyone who derives an income from music,” said Patrick. “There’s power and strength in numbers.”
Find out more about your local peak music body including benefits and membership fees (if any):
| Australian Capital Territory | MusicACT |
| New South Wales | MusicNSW |
| Northern Territory | MusicNT |
| Queensland | QMusic |
| South Australia | MusicSA |
| Tasmania | Music Tasmania |
| Victoria | Music Victoria |
| Western Australia | WAM |
