Musicians' Rights in Queensland

Queensland's arts agency runs a suite of programs that reach musicians directly — including touring money that explicitly covers gigs — and the state has backed the national fair-pay benchmark.

The state agency: Arts Queensland

Arts Queensland funds work that puts musicians on stage. Its Touring Queensland Fund offers: "Up to $100,000 for a single tour of any length or a program of touring across and up to 12 months." It is squarely aimed at getting live music into regional communities: "The Touring Queensland Fund is focused on supporting regional communities' access to high quality arts and cultural products and events, including music gigs."

New original work is supported through the Queensland Arts Project Fund, with grants of up to $70,000. Small venues are also supported to program and pay local artists.

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." Queensland 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. Their telephone advice service is free for eligible individual artists. Musicians Australia members can also get support chasing unpaid fees from venues.