9th March 2023
The Australian Government released its National Cultural Policy, Revive, on 30th January 2023. Continue reading
Category Archives: Member Updates
AMA Honours Decades of Service
9th March, 2023
The Australian Music Association has presented awards to Rob Walker and Greg Phillips at a special industry reception, held at the Melbourne Guitar Show. These are rarely presented, only for individuals that have made a significant long-term contribution to the music products industry, and this was the first award presentation since 2019. Continue reading
Melbourne Guitar Show Evaluation
We are thoroughly evaluating the 2023 Melbourne Guitar Show in order to make improvements, respond to the needs of exhibitors, attendees and musicians, and clarify the purpose and direction of the show.
Exhibitors: please complete this survey
There is also a public survey and musicians survey.
We will also be looking at ticketing, social media, media and other data to assess the success and potential of the show.
If you would like to discuss this, contact Alex.
Member Update: Skills Priority List
6th January 2023
The National Skills Commission is consulting on the Skills Priority List. There is one specific occupation code for our industry, ‘Musical Instrument Making & Repair’, which has both skill shortages and an ageing workforce. Continue reading
Secure Jobs, Better Pay Update
21st December 2022
The Australian Government has passed the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022.
This is not legal advice, only summaries and links. Continue reading
AMA & APTTA Welcome Cert IV in Piano Technology Approval
The Australian Music Association (AMA) and Australasian Piano Tuners & Technicians Association (APTTA) welcome the news that the Certificate IV in Piano Technology has been approved. Continue reading
African Mahogany and Padauk added to Appendix II
20th December 2022
At the CITES CoP19 in November 2022, Khaya (aka African mahogany) and Pterocarpus (aka Padauk) were added to Appendix II with Annotation #17. This is the same level of protection, with a slightly different Annotation, that currently applies to Permambuco, Indian Rosewood, and other species used in musical instruments and accessories. The AMA looked at the Khaya proposal as part of our consultation with members and the Australian Government earlier this year. Continue reading
Paid Family & Domestic Violence Leave
9th December 2022
Employers with 15 or more employees (head count) need to prepare for the introduction of Paid Family & Domestic Violence Leave on 1 February 2023. This will be introduced for smaller businesses (fewer than 15 employees) on 1 August 2023. Continue reading
Major Overhaul of Environmental Law
8th December 2022
The Australian Government has released its response to the Samuel Review of the EPBC Act, a major piece of legislative reform for Australia’s central environment protection and biodiversity legislation. This development brings us one step closer to a better solution for streamlining permits for musical instruments containing endangered species. Continue reading
Changes to Victorian landlord retail leasing obligations
When entering into or renewing a retail lease, landlords must give their tenants a disclosure statement, which outlines essential lease information (e.g. lease term, occupancy costs, fit-out requirements etc.). Why? So the tenant can understand, at a glance, the key elements of the lease. Continue reading
