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Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s first budget has delivered a major live music package but failed to deliver any new investment to Australia’s much larger $2.5 billion live performance industry.

Live Performance Australia (LPA) Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson welcomed the Australian Music Industry package, stating "this is a significant and well overdue investment in Australia’s live music industry and we are pleased to see the Government recognise the economic and cultural importance of our music sector which is worth close to $1 billion locally plus cultural exports of $6 billion.

“The $30.9 million package announced in the Budget will support the domestic live music scene through supporting live music venues and providing critical investment for indigenous music, a women in music mentor program and exports.

“The package also addresses some key issues faced by the live music industry that emerged during the House Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts’ inquiry into factors contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Australian music industry.

“However, we are disappointed that the Government has not done more to leverage the significant economic and cultural value of all live performance or the creative industries more broadly. It’s now some four years since the Catalyst fiasco and with the exception of the Live Music package, we have yet to see any meaningful policy initiatives or plan for the future.

“LPA put forward a number of proposals to Government in its Budget submission to support new Australian content, drive industry development and job creation for our $2.5 billion live performance industry.

“Each year more than 23 million people attend a live performance in our capital cities, regional centres and country towns. Live performance promotes Australian talent and creativity across a range of genres, and is a major driver of our visitor and night time economy, attracting visitors from interstate and overseas to see performances or attend festivals.

“It’s time for the Morrison Government to commit to a broader, bolder vision and some significant long term, strategic policy initiatives that support its future growth."

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13th February 2019 - Live Performance Australia fears NSW Government is risking the demise of world’s best festivals

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