Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today is Ausmusic T-Shirt Day. It is an opportunity for all Australians to get behind Australian musicians and raise much-needed funds for industry workers. Speaker, as you know, the Australian music industry is second to none. Our talented artists, for generations, have helped us through challenging times, partying on the weekend, getting over breakups or saying something about our nation or time which needed to be said. I can think of a few Australian bands and artists that have played their part in my life, such as: Midnight Oil, Beds Are Burning; Powderfinger, My Happiness; South Australian international stars Hilltop Hoods, The Nosebleed Section; and, of course, Hunters & Collectors, Throw Your Arms Around Me.

In my electorate of Spence, covering the northern suburbs of Adelaide, we have a strong connection to the Australian music industry, with the great Jimmy Barnes hailing from Elizabeth. The future of music in Spence is now being fostered by incredible talents at the Northern Sound System, giving young artists access to recording studios and instruments to foster their creativity, under the watchful eye of Lisa Baker and her team. I also want to give a big shout-out to Molly Rocket, a local alternative rock band that is inspiring the next generation of musicians in Spence. Today, I encourage everyone to give back to an industry that has given to us and our nation so much and celebrate Ausmusic T-Shirt Day.