11th April 2025
The Federal Election is coming up on 3rd May and as usual there are a wide range of campaigns and proposals. The AMA itself has no campaign but is a member of several organisations and groups with specific election proposals for all parties to consider, including small business tax cuts, support for retailers, and of course support for music education.
National Retail Association
The National Retail Association has joined with the ARA to criticise the proposed reduction in student visas, which will be a setback for retailers. ““We understand the need for a balanced migration system, but limiting international student access will have ripple effects across the retail and hospitality workforce at a time when we simply can’t afford it,” said Interim NRA CEO, Lindsay Carroll. Read more
The National Retail Association and ARA have released a platform to support retail in Australia, calling for:
1️⃣ Streamline regulations: We urge federal leadership to drive national harmonisation, cutting through outdated and duplicated regulations to make business operations more efficient.
2️⃣ Invest in small business: Supporting small, medium, and family-owned businesses is essential for economic resilience. Clear policies and reduced barriers are key to restoring confidence and encouraging growth.
3️⃣ Boost productivity: To sustain long-term economic growth, we need action that streamlines regulations, invests in innovation, and enhances workforce skills. Boosting productivity will strengthen Australia’s competitive edge.
4️⃣ Enable healthy competition: to stay competitive on the global stage, we need policies that promote healthy market competition and drive innovation across all sectors.
The AMA and all of its retailer & wholesaler members are members of the National Retail Association.
Music Education Right From The Start
The initiative led by Alberts and involving industry organisations, professional associations, music teachers, philanthropic supporters, arts organisations and academics is preparing a statement on what is required at the federal level to make progress on music education. Watch this space.
Meanwhile, Governor General Sam Mostyn AC has become a patron of the Music Education Right From The Start initiative! Read more
The AMA is a member of the Music Education Right From The Start Advisory Group
COSBOA
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has produced detailed statements on industrial relations and other issues. COSBOA is asking for a Fair Go for Small Business with its campaign for a cut to the company tax rate for small businesses, from 25% to 20%. Read more and sign the petition.
“This tax cut would provide instant respite to Australian small businesses and let them focus on what they do best – running their businesses and serving our communities,” said COSBOA CEO, Luke Achterstraat.
COSBOA has also called many times for a consistent definition of ‘small business’, making the Instant Asset Write Off permanent, and more substantive changes in the budget and the Small Business Strategy to support 97.7% of businesses in Australia.
Music Therapy
The Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) has released a 2025 federal election statement for Australia’s incoming government, outlining key policy priorities that would protect and expand access to evidence-based music therapy, ensuring more Australians benefit from its life-changing outcomes. Last year the government passed changes to NDIS funding that sidelined the music therapy profession, did not consider the full evidence base for music therapy, and undermined the funding currently available to many NDIS participants. After a strong reaction from music therapy professions and their supporters in the music industry, allied health sector and disability advocates, the government commenced a review which is still underway.
Vote Music
Vote Music 2025 is a call to action that urges the country’s political parties to commit to a stronger future for Australian music, whatever the result of the May federal election. The initiative is a national call to action that urges the country’s political parties to commit to a stronger future for Australian music. It seeks more jobs, the establishment of stronger communities, and further support for Australian music to be heard and celebrated.
Vote Music calls for:
- Supercharge Investment in Live Music & Industry Growth
- Strengthen Creative Rights & Innovation
- Amplify Australian Music Locally and Globally
- Strengthen Communities and Audience Growth
- Expand Global Exports & Cultural Diplomacy
The campaign is supported by industry organisations including ALMBC, APRA AMCOS, ALMBC and the Live Music Office.
