With the 2014 Victorian State Election looming, the one thing that seems to be on the lips and minds of voters and even politicians alike is the state’s music industry and in particular, the tumults experienced by its live scene in recent years.
Regardless of who wins this Saturday, it’s refreshing to see just about every major party involved in this year’s state election indicate some degree of commitment to music, highlighting the important role that it plays in the lives of Victorians.
However, everything else seems to be par for the course. The party leaders are still talking a lot and their policies seem as confusing as ever. To give readers some help, we’ve devised a quick reference guide to help you figure out what each party will do for music if elected.
Liberal Victoria
Party Leader: Denis Napthine
The Facts:
- Introduced the ‘Agent of Change’ laws, placing the onus of soundproofing on developers if moving into a neighbourhood with an established live music venue.
- Established White Night Melbourne in 2013. The successful event saw over 500,000 locals and visitors attend in 2014.
- Worked with Music Victoria to establish the Live Music Roundtable to save Victorian live music.
- Committed $400,000 over four years to fund Music Victoria’s operations.
- Received a dismal score on Music Victoria’s State Election Report Card, with little other concrete commitment.
Quote: “The Napthine government’s strong plan is about creativity, not ideology. In contrast to the empty rhetoric and promises of the Labor Party, the Victorian Coalition government focuses on action and tangible outcomes. Our plan for the arts is based around five key priorities. These priorities have underpinned our actions to date and provide a sound platform for guiding our future investment.” – Heidi Victoria, Liberal MP, Arts Minister to Fairfax
Victorian Labor
Party Leader: Daniel Andrews
The Facts:
- Recently unveiled their ‘Music Works‘ package, a $22.2 million commitment to boosting the development of the local music industry.
- Promised to contribute $13.4 million and work with the Port Phillip Council and Palais Theatre operators to save the crumbling venue.
- Received a good score on Music Victoria’s State Election Report Card, with commitment shown in most areas.
- Their ‘Music Works’ package was given support from music industry icons Michael Gudinski and Ian “Molly” Meldrum.
- The previous Labor government’s grants and support fostered talent such as Gotye, Clare Bowditch, Dan Sultan, and The Temper Trap.
Quote: “Labor will provide the leadership to build a climate of growth, support and creativity for our cultural and artistic organisations and communities. Victorian Labor commits to a creative industries strategy in collaboration with the creative arts community that will broaden the role of the arts, cultural and creative sectors to a wider economic value argument.” – Martin Foley, Labor Party MP, opposition arts spokesman to Fairfax
Victorian Greens
Party Leader: Greg Barber
The Facts:
- While they have not made a concrete fiscal commitment, Music Victoria awarded the Greens a stellar Report Card score.
- In a letter to Music Victoria, outlined a comprehensive music platform, including a regional live music plan and quick response grants scheme.
- Display commitment to engaging directly with local music scene by using local musicians for events and advertising.
- Requested LNP place moratorium on any major development in Bourke Street until Palace Theatre heritage study was completed.
- Promoted a ‘Music Doesn’t Cause Violence‘ campaign, arguing special licence conditions for venues should not include presence of music.
Quote: “The Greens would focus on supporting and promoting local and emerging artists and local projects in Melbourne and regional Victoria… The state government should be using local artists and musicians for its events and advertising, and improving operating models for state-owned arts venues to enable emerging artists to use those venues at reasonable cost.” – Sue Pennicuik, Greens MLC, arts spokeswoman to Fairfax
Australian Sex Party
Party Leader: Fiona Patten
The Facts:
- Outlined a Victorian music platform, addressing live music and licensing issues, however, with few tangible propositions.
- Received an average score on Music Victoria’s Report Card, indicating a lack of response to several key issues.
- Call for introduction of 24-hour train services on weekends, with appropriate security personnel, to help revellers get home.
- Unique focus on freedom of expression and freedom of speech and reforming legislation that impedes upon these freedoms.
- No explicit fiscal commitment or indication of where music would fit into budget.
Quote: “The [ASP] recognises the contribution that live music and its related industries bring both economically, culturally and socially to the state of Victoria. We believe that the work achieved so far by Music Victoria, FairGo4Live Music and SLAM is to be commended and aim to build on this with our live music policy.” – Fiona Patten, The Sex Party to Fairfax
The Basics Rock’n’Roll Party
Party Leader: Kris Schroeder
The Facts:
- Party founded by musicians with experience working in the modern Australian musical climate.
- Received an average score on Music Victoria’s Report Card, indicating only partial commitment to all issues.
- Despite an obvious party focus on music and culture, have not outlined a clear music platform or action plan.
- No explicit fiscal commitment or indication of where music would fit into budget.
- Indicated a commitment to pursuing protection for venues that fall outside of ‘Agent of Change’ criteria.
Quote: “Arts and cultural industries are the cornerstone of a happy and healthy society, and the pivot on which many other industries… experience true exposure and growth. The value of arts and culture has been traditionally sorely underestimated by government, and we seek to ensure that the state of Victoria recognises that much of our growth… is directly linked to our personal passions.” – Kris Schroeder, The Basics Rock’N’Roll Party to Fairfax
