Category Archives: Member Updates

EPS ban in Western Australia

4th July 2025

The graphic shows moulded polystyrene, or EPS, material with a red strike-through symbol indicating that something isn't permitted. The first ban on expanded plastic packaging, in this case moulded foam and plastic packaging materials commonly known as EPS, polystyrene or Styrofoam, has commenced in Western Australia. The AMA has been discussing and researching this issue in collaboration with members, the National Retail Association and the WA Department of Water, Environment & Resources. (Members: download the resources) Continue reading

Funding for Exporters

1st July 2025

The Australian Music Association is launching a new initiative to support exporters of music products. The Music Australia International Conference Contribution (MAICC) provides funding of up to $5000 to attend important international showcase events and trade shows to pursue export development strategies. Businesses producing Australian made music products can apply in the first round to attend events from September 2025 to January 2026, including The NAMM Show, Music China, Guitar Summit, Cremona Musica and PASIC. Continue reading

AMA Continues Affiliation with Merged Australian Retail Council

29th May 2025

In 2024 the two major retail employer organisations, National Retail Association and Australian Retail Association, announced a merger. Both organisations currently perform a similar function with a similar purpose to support and represent retailers in Australia, with some differences in their structure, strengths and programs. Continue reading

LIPD License Class Submission

22nd May 2025

The AMA responded to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) consultation on the proposed Low Interference Potential Devices (LIPD) license to replace the 2015 license.

No concerns were raised by members, and the AMA collaborates with the European spectrum advocacy organisation Save Our Spectrum, who support the proposed LIPD license. A previous round of consultation on the LIPD license class received feedback from microphone manufacturers in the industry, the submission is consistent with that feedback.
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DOUBLE DONATION WEEK! Support the Music For All Fundraising Campaign

As a registered and fully tax deductible charity, operated by Soundhouse Music Alliance, Music for All makes small grants to assist those in disadvantaged circumstances experience the life changing benefits of music making. The Australian Music Association has adopted Music for All as a partner charity and encourages members to support its fundraising work. Continue reading

WA Expanded Plastics Ban

2nd May 2025

From 1 July 2025, Western Australia will implement a ban on moulded and cut expanded plastic packaging, including materials made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP), and EVA foam. This affects many forms of packaging commonly used for musical instruments, especially for fragile items like guitars, keyboards, and pro audio equipment. Continue reading

Consultation on LIPD Class Licenses

2nd May 2025

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released a consultation paper proposing a new version of the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence (LIPD) to replace the current 2015 instrument. This licence allows certain classes of low-power radiocommunications devices, including wireless microphones and other wireless audio equipment, to operate without an individual licence. The current instrument is due to sunset on 1 October 2025. Continue reading

Does China matter?

11th April 2025

Analysis by Alex Masso

The talk of the whole world right now is the uncertainty and potential impact of the US Administration’s tariff policies. This article looks at import data from 2012 to 2024 to analyse changes by certain product categories and the market overall. Continue reading