Insurance will be among the critical issues examined in a federal parliamentary inquiry into challenges faced by the country’s live music scene.

House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts Chair Brian Mitchell says the inquiry will take submissions from a range of stakeholders, including insurers.   

“The committee would like to hear about barriers to industry growth, including to export, the impact of current grant and support programs, and capacity building in the sector,” he said.  

“The impacts of emerging audience behaviours and mechanisms for audience development will also be explored, along with the suitability and location of venues and artist development and career pathways.” 

The industry has faced a host of issues following the covid pandemic, including the cancellation of major music events. Organisers of one of Australia’s oldest festivals, Splendour in the Grass, recently announced the event’s cancellation less than two weeks after its artist line-up was announced, due to below-expected ticket sales. 

“Some common struggles include the rising costs of presenting live music, shifting consumer behaviours, the loss of skilled workers in the industry and cost-of-living ramifications,” Mr Mitchell said. “We will be exploring sustainability and growth in the Australian music industry into the future, domestically and internationally.”  

He says the problem goes beyond the cancellation of notable events. The dwindling number of live music venues is among other key concerns.

He told insuranceNEWS.com.au it is “not just a rural issue, this also affects inner-city bars and pubs”.  

Submissions will be open until April 30. Click here for information.