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
Category Archives: News
Submitting Decision Ready Employer Nominations & Visa Applications
The Department of Home Affairs is running four online information sessions in May to help businesses prepare ‘decision ready’ employer nominations and visa applications. Continue reading
musiccareers.au presenting at major Careers and Employment Expos
The music sector offers a wide range of career opportunities across the full range of roles, on and off stage, but is often misunderstood. For a longtime there has been no comprehensive source of information about career and occupation options, but musiccareers.au fills that gap as the ‘go to’ starting point for information about careers in music. Continue reading
Landmark Decision on GRIA Junior Rates
2nd April 2026
The Fair Work Commission this week handed down a landmark decision in the “junior rates” case, confirming that workers aged 18–20 in the General Retail Industry Award (GRIA), Fast Food Award and Pharmacy Award will progressively move to the full adult rate of pay. Continue reading
RBA Announced Ban On Card Surcharging
2nd April 2026
The Reserve Bank of Australia this week confirmed the outcome of its long-running review into merchant card payment costs, with a ban on card surcharging now set to take effect from 1 October 2026. This applies across Visa, Mastercard and eftpos for both debit and credit transactions. Continue reading
SGS’26 MARSH ‘Happy Hour’ – Industry Reception
It wouldn’t be a Guitar Show without the MARSH Happy Hour!
Thanks to Simon and the Marsh team for supporting the show and the Industry reception once again. We had a great turnout in the Main Stage Bar and it was lovely to see so many exhibitors and staff enjoying a beverage after a very busy and warm Day One.
MVP award has to go to Alex for the leg work it took to get the pizza!
Looking forward to seeing you all again at the next one!
Exporter Funding (MAICC) Round 3 Open
EXPORTER FUNDING: ROUND 3 NOW OPEN
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. Continue reading
New Pernambuco Rules Take Effect
5th March 2026
The changes made to the CITES listing for Paubrasilia echinata, better known by the trade name Pernambuco, have now taken effect. This update contains advice from the Australian Government about permits and the implementation of the new rules. Continue reading
Substantial Changes Made to Musical Instrument Making and Repair Courses
17th December 2025
The AMA played a key role in making significant changes to two qualifications for Musical Instrument Making and Repair, which will reduce the barrier to creating accredited training for brass and woodwind technicians in Australia. While training of this kind is not currently provided, the structural changes and details included in the new version of the course outline are an important step towards a potential training solution. Continue reading
Pernambuco Compromise at CITES CoP20
8th December 2025
An international conference considering the regulation of endangered flora and fauna has reached a compromise on a proposal that would have severely impacted users of stringed-instrument bows containing pernambuco wood. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international movement of many listed species, and proposals can be made by any country that is a party to the Convention at the Conference of the Parties held every three years. CITES CoP20 concludes today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Continue reading
