Musicians' Rights in the ACT

Canberra punches above its weight on musicians' rights. The ACT funds music through artsACT, it is on the national fair-pay endorsement list, and it goes further than most governments by publishing its own remuneration principles for artists.

The territory funder: artsACT

The ACT funds music primarily through artsACT and its Arts Activities Funding: "For 2025–26, there is budget of approximately $1.35 million available for Arts Activities across the two categories. Some $300,000 will be available for the Up to $5k category over the year, and some $1.05 million will be available for the two $5–50k rounds."

The smaller stream is open all year round: "Requests can be from $500 to $5,000." The ACT also publishes its own Remuneration Principles and Practices for Artists and Arts Workers.

Fair pay: the $250 minimum fee

The national benchmark for what you should be paid comes from Musicians Australia: "A minimum fee is a fee floor, for any musician, playing anywhere, for any audience." It is based on the Live Performance Award and includes allowances for set-up time, meals and travel on top of the base hourly rate.

The Australian Capital Territory is one of the governments that has formally backed this benchmark: "Thanks to the collective work of our members, Musicians Australia has since received endorsement for the $250 minimum fee from the South Australian, Queensland, Western Australian, Victorian and Australian Capital Territory state/territory governments."

Legal help: contracts, disputes and your rights

For anything involving a contract, unpaid fees or a dispute, the Arts Law Centre of Australia is the first stop for most musicians. The telephone advice service is free for eligible individual artists. If a venue refuses to pay the minimum fee, Musicians Australia members can also get support chasing it up.