The NSW Government’s strategy aims to boost Aussie music domestically and abroad. Photo: NSW Government.
The NSW Government is turning the sound up on Aussie musicians by providing incentives to international touring acts to incorporate domestic talent when they perform.
The strategy is to reduce the venue hire fee at some of NSW’s best venues, like CommBank Stadium, Accor Stadium, Allianz Stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, the Sydney Cricket Ground, WIN Stadium and Entertainment Centre as well as the Sydney Opera House.
For each eligible show that an international act incorporates an Aussie act into across the Venues NSW network, the government will reduce the venue hire fee by $20,000, with a $5000 reduction at the Opera House.
To attain eligibility, at least one Australian artist must be included as a support act on an international headlining tour, and the artist must appear on the same stage as the international act and be announced at the same time as the tour.
Sydney’s nightlife and live-music scene has endured a decline since Barry O’Farrell’s lockout laws, made worse by the COVID era and its lockdowns.
The NSW Government said that under the former Coalition government, NSW lost more than 50 per cent of its music venues, with live music in the state reduced to just 133 registered venues in March 2023.
That dire number has since grown to 435, but the new policy from the government is looking to put Australian acts alongside the biggest international artists at a time when American music dominates Australian airwaves.
“There were just three Australian albums in the ARIA top 100 charts in 2024. This represents a crisis for Australian music,” Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said.
“The rise of streaming is flooding our market with American music and creating a roadblock for NSW artists trying to break through. By adopting Michael’s Rule, we will get more local acts onto the big stage.”
Calls for the policy come from the Association of Artist Managers (AAM), which has dubbed the concept ‘’Michael’s Rule’’, after late artist and manager Michael McMartin OAM. McMartin was a consistent and strident voice for Australian talent.
Australians opening for international acts is a proven method to enhance the profile of domestic performers. Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers is currently opening for Pearl Jam in the US after doing the same on their Australian tour, while The Preatures, opening for Harry Styles, booked a 40-date regional tour subsequently.
Other acts, such as Hoodoo Gurus, Cold Chisel, The Presets and You Am I, saw greater success after opening for international artists.
“The Hoodoo Gurus got their first big break after they performed with Lou Reed in 1984,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“We want more Australian musicians to have that opportunity, performing on the biggest stages in NSW alongside the best international artists.”
The incentive will be available for an initial two-year period starting on 5 May.
