Give music a chance

LIVE: The music industry has entered the federal election fray.

The federal seat of Corangamite’s marginal status has attracted a number of polls pushing various causes – and the music industry has added its voice.
The Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) and the Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS) claimed a 100 per cent success rate in its recent poll.
“One hundred per cent of those polled in the Corangamite electorate believe the Federal Government should invest in Australian music,” the two organisations said.
The poll was part of a nationally co-ordinated campaign in marginal seats by the two organisations.
“Importantly, 69 per cent of those surveyed confirmed that a commitment to a significant investment in Australian music would influence their vote.”
Respondents cited music as an export industry worth millions of dollars to the economy and the creation of job growth and innovation as reasons the government should support the music industry.
The two organisations said an investment in Australian music would drive innovation, domestic jobs and growth, and export potential.
“Australia’s contemporary music industry is a multi-billion dollar contributor to the Australian economy, with live contemporary music generating revenue of $2 billion annually.
“The entire contemporary music sector contributes close to $6 billion to the Australian economy annually.
“Expenditure associated with live music in Australia is estimated to create close to 65,000 full time and part time jobs.”