Music Victoria acknowledges the significant fiscal challenges currently facing Victoria and we recognise that the 2025 Victorian State Budget reflects some difficult decisions for government.
Within this context, Music Victoria are deeply concerned about the absence of dedicated investment in contemporary music, particularly the discontinuation of the Music Works program, which has been instrumental in supporting the growth, sustainability and global reputation of Victoria’s music sector over the past decade.
While Music Victoria appreciates the continued government investment in live music through initiatives such as the 10,000 Gigs program, the Live Music Festivals Fund and SongMakers, the absence of specific budget line items for contemporary music remains a significant concern.
Music is not a luxury or a ‘nice-to-have.’ It is a vital contributor to economic activity, job creation, cultural identity, social cohesion, wellbeing and international recognition. It's part of what makes Victoria such a vibrant and unique place to live and visit.
Music Victoria are currently engaging with government to better understand the implications of these changes and to explore constructive pathways forward.
“Our aim is to ensure that the music sector and the thousands of Victorians it employs and inspires, continues to thrive. We remain committed to working in partnership with government to build on past successes and to secure a strong, sustainable future for contemporary music in Victoria,” said Music Victoria CEO, Fiona Duncan.
Live performance is just one part of a sustainable music career. Equally vital are the businesses and professionals that work behind the scenes, including labels, publishers, agents and sync specialists. Support for artists and this broader industry ecosystem is essential to foster long-term growth, career sustainability and innovation across the sector.
"Victorian music is part of who we are as a state. It connects us, it tells our stories and it supports thousands of jobs across every community. Right now, our artists and industry are making their mark on the global stage – but they need strong foundations at home to keep creating and building sustainable careers,” explained Duncan.
Music Victoria stands ready to collaborate with government to ensure Victoria’s music community receives the strategic, career-building support it needs to continue flourishing—now and into the future—for the benefit of artists, industry professionals, and the wider public alike.
