Simon Crean (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On indulgence, I wish to inform the House that Australian singer-songwriter Gotye has created Australian music history today at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. He scooped the pool with three awards, including the Marquee category of Best Record. Gotye becomes only the second Australian to win Best Record, after Olivia Newton-John last won in 1975. Today, he is the first Australian to win multiple Grammys for the same release. Gotye took home the Grammy for Best Record; Pop/Duo Group Performance for Somebody That I Used to Know, featuring Kimbra; and the best Alternative Music Album, for Making Mirrors.

I should point out to the House that it was only as recently as 2011 that Gotye received $10,000 through the Australia Council's Live On Stage program to showcase the CMJ Music Marathon, in October of that year. Gotye is an outstanding example of investments made on behalf of this nation in our budding artists, and he has come home in spades. I think, Speaker, that it is important to note that in recent years we have become used to Australia winning world accolades at the Oscars and other movie awards. It is fantastic to see it in the music industry as well. I congratulate Gotye on behalf of the House.

Mr Jenkins interjecting—

Ms Anna Burke (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Scullin for adding to our information on the issue!