Musicians' Rights in Victoria

Victoria markets itself as Australia's live music capital, and it puts real money behind the claim. Here is how the state supports musicians on funding and fair pay, and where to turn for legal help.

The state funding: Music Works

The main vehicle for Victorian artists is Music Works, delivered through a partnership between Creative Victoria and Music Victoria. There are two streams: "Activation Grants — $5,000 (fixed)" and "Project Grants — $10,000–$40,000."

The money can go towards songwriting and recording, touring and live performance, marketing and professional development.

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." Victoria 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 minimum fees.