Musicians' Rights in New South Wales

New South Wales runs the busiest live circuit in the country, and since 2023 it has had a dedicated government music office to match. Whether you play pubs in Newcastle or festivals in the city, here is where the state backs your fair pay and legal rights.

The state's music office: Sound NSW

Established in 2023, Sound NSW is the NSW Government's dedicated contemporary music body: "Sound NSW provides grants, funding and support for NSW artists, live music venues, organisations and professionals in the NSW music industry."

That covers touring and travel support, recording and promotion grants, and backing for live music venues. Browse the open rounds on the Sound NSW funding and support page.

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." The number is anchored to the Live Performance Award and covers the musician's base rate plus allowances for set-up time, meals, instruments and travel.

New South Wales is not currently among the governments Musicians Australia lists as having endorsed the fee — but the benchmark still applies to your gigs wherever you play.

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. Their telephone advice service is free for eligible individual artists covering contracts, copyright, moral rights, employment and more. Musicians Australia members can also get support chasing unpaid fees.