The Code will respond to well-documented risks and harms identified in the landmark music industry Raising Their Voices report, including sexual harm, sexual harassment, and systemic discrimination. It commits the contemporary music industry to practical, preventative and proportionate reform that can be meaningfully applied across the diverse settings in which contemporary music is created, performed and produced.
Creative Workplaces acknowledges the extraordinary work already being led across the contemporary music industry to address the issues highlighted in the Raising Their Voices report. The national Code is being developed in partnership with the sector to continue and strengthen this work.
“The contemporary music industry has demonstrated strong leadership in improving workplace culture,” said Kate Jenkins, Chair of Creative Workplaces. “The development of a national Code represents a collaborative and practical step to support safer, more respectful and inclusive workplaces across the sector.”
An Industry Reference Group (IRG) has been established to provide expert advice, sector insight and lived-experience perspectives. The IRG brings together individuals from across the contemporary music ecosystem to support the Code’s credibility, relevance and practical adoption.
Industry Reference Group members include:
- Olly Arkins, Australian Festival Association
- Jannah Beth, Offbeat Collective
- Tam Boakes, Jive and the Australia Music Venue Association
- Emily Collins, Sound NSW
- Maggie Collins, Association of Artist Managers
- Vicki Gordon, Australian Women in Music
- Annabelle Herd, ARIA
- Julia Robinson, ARIA
- Tom Larkin, Artist, Artist Manager, Programmer
- Erin Madeley, Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance
- Helen Marcou, Bakehouse Studios
- Shay Minster, Live Performance Australia
- Dr Shellie Morris AO, artist
- Dean Ormston, APRA AMCOS
- Catherine Satour, Support Act
- Mark Smith, Music NT
- Sean Warner, Universal Music Australia & NZ
- Emily Wurramara, artist
- Owen Whittle, Western Australia Music (WAM)
- Bree Xuereb, Live Nation Australia & NZ
As part of the development process, there will be a period of sector and public consultation during which businesses, organisations, artists and workers will have the opportunity to contribute to shaping the Code.
The Code will provide clear, practical guidance to support positive workplace cultures and shared expectations of safety, respect and professionalism across the contemporary music industry.
“A thriving music sector depends on environments where people feel safe, respected and supported to do their best work,” said Adrian Collette, CEO of Creative Australia and Chair of Music Australia. “This collaborative process will help strengthen the foundations that enable creativity to flourish.”
Further updates will be provided as development progresses.
Media contacts:
Brianna Roberts
Media Manager, Creative Australia
Mobile: 0498 123 541
Email: brianna.roberts@creative.gov.au
About Creative Workplaces
Creative Workplaces supports fair, safe and respectful workplaces across Australia’s arts and cultural sector.
They provide information, resources and referral pathways to help artists, arts workers and organisations understand their rights and meet their workplace responsibilities, including in relation to pay, safety and respectful conduct.
Creative Workplaces’ guidance supports people working across all art forms — independently, as employees and employers, in paid and unpaid roles, and in organisations and businesses of all sizes.
For more information visit creativeworkplaces.gov.au.
About Music Australia
Music Australia is a dedicated body within Creative Australia, which exists to support and invest in the Australian contemporary music industry.
They empower artists, foster industry growth and enhance cultural impact through strategic investment programs and advocacy.
Music Australia has been deliberately designed to reach into the commercial sectors, where traditional grants funding models have been limited.
For more information visit creative.gov.au/music-australia.
