About Us

About

The Live Music Office works to increase opportunities for live music in Australia by identifying and advocating for better policy, regulation and strategy.

Australia has a long and proud history of live music. Not only have we produced major international touring acts, but for many of us attending local shows is a fundamental part of our cultural and social lives. Indeed, a 2011 study in Victoria found more people attended live music annually than AFL games.

Like most forms of creative enterprise, the music sector has had to adapt in the face of digital platforms and changing audiences. Despite its ongoing popularity, strict regulation and convoluted policies have produced significant obstacles for musicians, venues, punters and the industry as a whole.

As early as 2004, Chris Gibson and Shane Homan wrote, “the splintering of music communities, community resources and spatial ‘responsibilities’ awaits a coordinated policy response.”

The Live Music Office was formed to address this concern.

Established by the Federal Government, in partnership with APRA AMCOS, the Live Music Office was set up to review the impact of policy frameworks on the Australian live music sector. Our scope includes planning, licensing and regulatory policies, as well as cultural, audience and market development strategies.