A State Budget that's good for Music

Today the Victorian government handed down the 23/24FY state budget and Music Victoria is extremely pleased to see the Labor governments' continued support of the music industry, especially in what Treasurer Tim Pallas has called a "challenging budget".

We are delighted to see that in this budget they have delivered on all their music related election commitments including:

• $2.5m for Music Festivals
• $7.5 million Live Music Performers Fund, backing thousands of Victorian musicians and artists to pack venues across the state and perform 10,000 gigs over the next four years
• $2 million to teach song writing in high schools across the state
• a new planning overlay to protect our iconic live music venues for decades to come
• establishing a Victorian Music Industry Advisory Council
• grants to keep community TV and radio stations afloat across the state
• $20 million for ALWAYS LIVE
• $2 million for Support Act
• a digital games and visual effects rebate to attract more businesses and jobs to Victoria.

"In terms of industry development, we are delighted that they have listened to calls for the continued delivery of Victorian Music Development Office and Music Market, which provides essential thought leadership for the sector, insights for our music businesses and unpacks the latest technology, new markets, and assists the industry in understanding the most complex evolutions in the music space, ensuring that Victoria's music community remains at the cutting edge globally.

It makes us proud to work here, and certainly makes a life of music, easier in Victoria." - Simone Schinkel, CEO Music Victoria