There has been much discussion about policy for the music sector over the years. These discussions include how policy could be improved, what is missing or not being addressed, what should be supported, and many detailed proposals for policies which will benefit the music sector, musicians and audiences in Australia.
The Music Council of Australia has a strong record of advocacy on the sector’s behalf, as do a number of other organisations. See the current advocacy papers, past advocacy papers or national and international policy documents on the MCA website
As Music NSW’s Executive Director Eliza Sarlos said in July 2010, “This year has seen yet another round of consultation with the Discussion Paper outlining a draft strategic Contemporary Music Industry Plan. In 2006 there was a Federal Labor Arts Policy Discussion Paper, in 2007, New directions for the Arts, In 2008 there was the 2020 ideas summit. Each time the music industry has complied in putting forward their ideas and awaited positive change.” Read more about the I Heart Music and I Vote campaign which encourages music policy ideas during the 2010 Federal Election.
There is no shortage of ideas in the public domain which have come from the music and arts advocates, many of which are based on industry consultation and research, and most of which are aimed at simply improving musical life in Australia.
National Cultural Policy
In 2009-10 a process established by the Federal Government asked the community to contribute ideas for a National Cultural Policy. It has not yet been formed or implemented, but the process itself has provided a wealth of ideas about the arts, culture, and how policy has an impact on these areas.
Read more about the National Cultural Policy and some of the ideas which are relevant to youth music in Australia.
Australia’s Parliamentary Library published a pretty extensive history of arts policy in 2009. Click here to read it.
