Appointments to Music Australia Council

Australian musicians, promoters and industry executives are among those poised to lead Music Australia – bringing new drive and direction to the contemporary music industry.

The Albanese Labor Government today announced its appointees to the Music Australia Council.

Established under the Creative Australia Act 2023, the Council will provide strategic direction for Music Australia in its work to support and grow Australia’s contemporary music sector.

The appointments will come into effect from 24 August 2023 upon commencement of the Act.

Music Australia is a key part of Revive, Australia’s new national cultural policy, which will operate within Creative Australia.

This is Creative Australia moving firmly into the commercial world.

Under Revive, the Albanese Labor Government is delivering a new chapter for Australian arts and culture, backed by record arts funding.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said Australian musicians have been crying out for greater support and strategic investment.

“Music Australia will deliver what the industry needs to grow and realise its potential, at home and internationally,” Minister Burke said.

“It’s essential that Australian musicians and industry experts themselves have a seat at the table – and that’s what these appointments will achieve.

“With their dedication, passion and expertise in Australian music, the appointees will make sure that Australian music is the soundtrack to life in Australia.”

Music Australia is backed by more than $69 million in funding over four years.

The appointees are:

·       Mr Adrian Collette AM (Chair) – Chief Executive Officer of Creative Australia.

·       Ms Lisa Baker – Manager of Creative Cultural Development, Northern Sound System, Creative Precinct City of Playford, South Australia.

·       Mr Fred Alale AM – Co-Founder and Chair of African Music and Cultural Festival Inc.

·       Ms Danielle Caruana – Co-Founder and Director of The Seed Fund and singer- songwriter, musician and performer known professionally as Mama Kin.

·       Mr Michael Chugg AM – Founder of Chugg Entertainment, co-founder of Frontier Touring Company and awarding-winning music promoter.

·       Ms Petrina Convey – Owner and Director of UNITY Mgmt. Group, Australian artist management company.

·       Mr Fred Leone – Award winning musician, Butchulla Songman and founder of Impossible Odds Records.

·       Mr Nathan McLay – Founder and Chief Executive Officer of independent talent management and artist services company Future Classic.

·       Dr Sophie Payten – Indie folk singer-songwriter known professionally as Gordi.