Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Communications and Minister for the Arts, Senator Fifield. Can the minister inform the Senate what the Turnbull government is doing to promote Australian music on the world stage?

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Smith for his long and enduring interest in and support for Australian music—something which, I think, we all share. Senator Smith and I are probably of a similar demographic and so I would hazard a guess that Cold Chisel's Flame Trees may well be a favourite of Senator Smith. As I look at Senator Cameron, I think it is probably Jimmy Barnes's Working Class Manthat rings his particular musical fancy.

The Australian music scene is strong and is of world standard. It continues to attract the international audiences it deserves. I was very pleased recently to be able to announce that Sounds Australia, whose funding was to conclude at the end of this year, will have that funding continue. There will be a total of $1.16 million in funding over the next four years, starting in January 2017. The funding complements other Commonwealth funding through the Australia Council for the Arts and funding from the industry body APRA AMCOS. There is good support from state governments as well.

Australian music does matter. I would like to give you one example of the reaction to our funding for Sounds Australia. It comes from Clara, the manager of the Australian band All Our Exes Live in Texas. She leapt to Facebook to say, 'It's a good time for all. An awesome day for Aussie music because Sounds Australia just got their funding back. Yes, Senator Mitch Fifield, you ripper! A good move. Such a worthwhile funding sitch, good on ya, Mitch.' They are all words and sentiments we can embrace.

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order on both sides! Senator Smith, a supplementary question.

Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister outline how this funding will benefit the Australian music industry and the Australian economy?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I bet the Nats are loving this!

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will take the interjection from Senator Wong: I am certain they are, because Senator Canavan could have had the opportunity in Rockhampton last week to listen to All Our Exes Live in Texas playing at the Pilbeam Theatre. No doubt Senator Canavan did that.

Sounds Australia has already participated in 50 international events in 53 cities across 20 countries. These activities promote our Australian music industry to the world, and this new funding will allow representation in our key overseas markets to continue for another four years. To give you an example as to why this matters, Millie Millgate from Sounds Australia said:

Building relationships is key to Australia's success in these emerging markets over coming years. This trade mission presents a meaningful reconnaissance opportunity that sets a strong foundation for reciprocal business and cultural outcomes.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Smith, a final supplementary question.

Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister update the Senate on how the statement has been received by the industry?

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The industry has responded well and positively. Dean Ormston, head of member services at APRA AMCOS, said:

The Federal Government's commitment to funding SOUNDS AUSTRALIA for the next four years is fantastic news, and will be welcomed by thousands of current and future exporting artists and music businesses. The support from the local and international music industries has been overwhelming - a testament to the work of the SOUNDS AUSTRALIA team, Millie Millgate, Glenn Dickie and Esti Zilber!

So this is good news. In case there are colleagues who are wanting to keep track of All Our Exes Live in Texas and Senator Smith, you have the opportunity in Albany to hear them play. I hope you take that opportunity. Senator Macdonald could have had the opportunity in Townsville last night to catch up with that great Australian band.