Australian Music Association has been a key participant in the representation of issues concerning government and policy from being key in the development of the National Review of School Music Education at Federal level, to various such inquiries at State level. The AMA is active in representing its members where effective government relations are required on policy and legislative issues. Our current work is as follows;
CERT III & IV Musical Instrument Making & Repair Course Funded by State Government
April 2015
The association has successfully led an industry lobby for the reinstatement of Cert III & IV qualifications in Musical Instrument Making and Repair. At the federal level , Manufacturing Skills Australia (MSA) withdrew support last year citing there was no industry demand for these qualifications nationally. Victorian based manufacturers, makers and wholesalers however, expressed grave concern at the potential loss to the industry at a meeting with federal and state government representatives. After talks with state government, NCAT and industry, MSA handed the qualification to the Higher Education and Skills Group (HESG) within the Victorian Government’s Department of Education & Training to use the musical instrument making units of competency for the purpose of developing an accredited course
Industry representatives, along with our CEO chairing the task force are working with the government to design a course that can become a national qualification and be applied to various instrument categories. The aim is to provide a broader qualification with electives in other industry segments such as brass and wind, percussion and strings which will enhance an individual’s employment opportunities within the industry.
Following submissions by the association regarding the importance of a Cert IV level qualification at minimum, the HESG agreed to fund the development of a qualification at this level.
This is great news for manufacturers, wholesalers and technicians who provide employment but also a great way for retail staff to improve their skills base and value add for employers.
December 31, 2014 Approaches – Your Microphone Might Not Work. Click here for full info.
Critical date passes on 1 January, 2014 regarding the sale of wireless devices.
From 1 January 2014, it is illegal for suppliers to import or manufacture wireless microphones that operate in the 694 – 820MHz frequency range. A fact sheet for suppliers (inc retailers) can be viewed here – http://www.acma.gov.au/Industry/Suppliers/A-Type-of-equipment/WirelessMicrophones/wireless-audio-transmitters-suppliers
Any stock still held in the channel requires a label affixed to the box that says this devices is sold on the understanding that it cannot be used after December 31st 2014
Any one selling an uncompliant device must affix this label to the product – the wording of the label and regulations covering it can be found here – http://www.acma.gov.au/Industry/Suppliers/A-Type-of-equipment/WirelessMicrophones/suppliers-of-wireless-mics-faq
AMA member’s and the industry’s attention is drawn to the above regulations.
November 2013
Victorian Review of Music Education makes Key Recommendations to State Government
Music Education organisations have come together to welcome the findings of the Inquiry into the extent, benefits and potential of music education in Victorian schools . And, in particular, the recognition by the Victorian Parliament that, “music education should be an essential part of every young person’s education” and that “music plays and important role in learning, in personal and societal development and, as an economic contributor to this state”.
The Australian Music Association joins in requesting that the work of the Committee now be supported by the Napthine Government and that the recommendations that require some additional expenditure, including:
• Supporting schools in establishing music programs (Rec 13),
• Delivering professional learning teachers in both primary and secondary schools and across the state (Rec 9, 11 and 12) and;
• Ensuring schools have adequate music facilities and equipment (Rec 3)
are supported with additional funding and that those funds become available as a result of the 2014 budget and be carried through for the forward estimates until at least 2018.
Collectively we call on the Victorian Education Minister, Martin Dixon and the Premier, Denis Napthine, on behalf of students, teachers and school communities to adopt these recommendations and begin to action them during the 2014 school year. Read more
Read the Full Report
Read the Media Reports [1 (Herald Sun): Online or Download PDF 28kB] [2 (Herald Sun): Online or Download PDF 98kB] [3 (The Age): Online or Download PDF 184kB]
Read the Full Joint Media Release
