26th August, 2022
The music products industry received the sad news during the week that James Young, much respected founder of the British microphone company Aston had died from a heart attack. Aston Microphones are famous for their high quality audio products such as the Aston Stealth microphone, which won a NAMM TEC Award in 2020 for Best Microphone. Continue reading
A new initiative of the AMA this year is a series of Industry Receptions. We are looking at new ways to bring people together after several years without AMA events. Come along for a relaxed evening to catch up with industry colleagues, make contact with your association, and hear from our expert guest speakers.
Damian Smith, Aggregator Group |
For our Melbourne event we have Damian Smith, an expert in freight and logistics, to discuss one of the hot topics of the last couple of years and hear about challenges and solutions for our industry. Damian is the sole Director of Aggregator Australia, a boutique domestic transport forwarder specialising in transport and warehousing solutions within Australia. He brings a wealth of experience in strategy and negotiation, supply chain management, process improvement and resource optimisation, entrepreneurialism, business development and promotion. |
These events are free for AMA members, $35 for non-members.
MELBOURNE | Wednesday 19th October | 7pm | South Melbourne | BOOK NOW
*Unfortunately our Sydney event has been cancelled*
23rd August 2022
The Australian Government is consulting on a new National Cultural Policy. Continue reading
The Federal Government recently passed its legislation to introduce paid FDV leave for all employees, under the National Employment Standards. Continue reading
11th July 2022
For: manufacturers & importers of wood products
Summary: The next Conference of the Parties for CITES will take place from 14-25 November, 2022. The AMA is part of an international network that monitors impacts of CITES decisions on music products. Below is an update on several items on the agenda for this year.
As a signatory to CITES treaties, decisions made at the CoP apply here in Australia, but there are some complications in the way Australia interacts with CITES. Firstly, some native species are protected in Australia but not listed as protected in this context; secondly, one of the key developments in music advocacy around CITES has been Musical Instrument Certificates, but Australia has not implemented a system of Musical Instrument Certificates.
Detail:
Proposed for Appendix II with Annotation #17 – This would require permits for logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood and transformed wood.
Handroanthus spp., Roseodendron spp., Tabebuia spp., Afzelia spp., Pterocarpus spp., Khaya spp.
Proposed for Removal from Appendix II
Dalbergia sissoo
Proposed for Appendix I, with Annotation – This would impose new restrictions on commercial trade and require permits to travel with bows made from Pernambuco
Paubrasilia echinata
We also anticipate key discussions will include a U.S. proposal to improve the Musical Instrument Certificate through simplified procedures and e-permitting, as well as policy decisions related to the Annotation #15 that pertains to rosewood.
The Australian Music Association is going through various forms of renewal and review, and having a discussion about each of its activities and priorities. Earlier this year Alex Masso took on the role of Executive Officer, while Rob Walker is continuing to work on projects. The committee is working with Alex through a number of projects including events, memberships, branding, and other activities.
The latest updates are:
Something old, something new:
We would like to thank Helen Marx and Jay’C Rivera from Australis Music Group for their work on the AMA logo.
The Australian Music Association’s Annual Market Report for 2021 has revealed strong demand for music products in a year still dominated by the effects of the pandemic. Total value and units had increased compared to 2020 as well as the past five and ten year averages, with a slight decrease in overall Average Unit Value compared to 2020. Continue reading
Austrade’s Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program helps Australian businesses grow their exports in international markets. These grants encourage small to medium enterprises to market and promote their goods and services globally. Continue reading
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ian Lindsey, and all at Musos Corner & Foleys Pianos, after the much loved music store owner and piano technician passed away on 18th May, 2022. Continue reading
19th May 2022
Button batteries, found in many household items, clocks, metronomes, toys and so on, are harmful to children and many accidents and some deaths have occured in Australia. Legislation passed in December 2020 that introduced mandatory standards for securing batteries and providing warnings on products.
