Category Archives: Member Updates

Tariffs Removed on Percussion

15th November 2024

The Australian Government has removed tariffs on all imports of Percussion products. The Nuisance Tariffs policy was developed to remove very low revenue tariff collection where there is no particular reason for a tariff to continue. The AMA supported this change and analysed customs, AMA found that in the 12 months prior to this consultation (April 2023-March 2024), $37426 was collected on Percussion imports including $12462 from the US. Continue reading

New AMA President

17th October 2024

At the Australian Music Association’s Annual General Meeting for 2024, Megan Stapleton (Hal Leonard Australia) was elected President of the association. Outgoing President, Cameron Leitch, will be taking leave from his role at Soundbay and did not renominate for the Executive Committee or the role of President, which he has held for the past year. Continue reading

Helen Marx departs AMA board

In September, Helen Marx resigned from her position on the AMA board as she moved on from employment with Australis Music Group.

Helen was a driving force behind some major initiatives of the AMA during the past few years. She has been passionate about finding solutions, improving existing programs, asking big questions, and in particular Helen played an essential role in planning for Melbourne Guitar Show 2025. She also worked with the board, Australis Music Group’s graphic designer, Jay’C Rivera, to facilitate the new logos for both the AMA and Melbourne Guitar Show.

I would like to thank Helen for her insights, creative and strategic ideas, energy, and determination in her time with the AMA board, and wish her all the best.

– Alex Masso, Executive Officer

2024 AMA Awards: Open For Nominations

13th August 2024

The Australian Music Association will present awards recognising substantial and valued contributions and achievements in the Australian music products industry. The AMA will present three Awards categories, one being the Honour Roll, continuing as the association’s highest honour and an important part of its history. The other two awards are for Significant Contribution to the industry, and Emerging Leader in the industry.

Nominations for the 2024 AMA Awards have opened on 13th August and will close on 13th September, 2024. These awards will be presented at the Industry Leadership Summit on 15th October, 2024.

Read more about the AMA Awards criteria, principles, and process | Nomination Form

Advocacy update: AMA gives evidence at government inquiries

30th July, 2024

The AMA has appeared twice at government inquiries in the past week, and met with important stakeholders on a range of issues.

On 25th July Alex Masso represented the AMA at a hearing for the Inquiry into the challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry, conducted by the Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts. 

Alex Masso addressing the Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education and Training in New South Wales

That same day, the AMA completed its submission to the Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education and Training in New South Wales (read more). Today Alex Massso represented the AMA at a hearing for that committee, on a day that included Alberts, ASME, Music in Me, Sydney Youth Orchestra, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the NSW Music Teachers’ Association, Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums, and others.

Jochen Zenthöfer and Alex Masso in Sydney

Meanwhile, Alex met with Jochen Zenthöfer from Save Our Spectrum, one of the leading international advocates for cultural use of radiofrequency spectrum, during his visit to Australia. He is based in Europe and focuses primarily on that region, but performs an essential role similar to NAMM and the League of American Orchestras on CITES issues, keeping up to date with the World Radiocommunications Conference and other international developments and coordinating the industry response. The AMA has mentioned the use of spectrum for wireless audio devices in submissions to government inquiries on the National Cultural Policy and the Challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry.

The AMA continues to monitor and respond to issues that affect the industry, there are a number of consultations this year related to skills and training including the Skills Taxonomy and ANZSCO (occupation) codes.

AMA Submission to NSW Parliamentary Committee

26th July 2024

The Australian Music Association has a strong history of advocating for the importance of music education and participation in music, and increasing access to quality music education for all children. Earlier this year a Joint Select Committee within NSW Parliament was established to investigate Arts and Music Education and Training in NSWContinue reading