Indigenous musicians, crew, managers and other music workers are being encouraged to contribute to a national review examining their experiences across the Australian music industry.
Support Act has begun the research and engagement phase of its First Nations Music Industry Review, with yarning sessions and industry workshops to be held across Australia from September to November.
The full consultation schedule and information on how to participate are available through the Support Act website.
The first consultations will take place in Brisbane during BIGSOUND on September 2 and 3, before sessions move to locations including Lismore, Nowra, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Parramatta.
The review is being delivered by First Nations social change agency Cox Inall Ridgeway and will examine cultural safety, representation, leadership, wellbeing and participation in the contemporary Australian music industry.
It was established in response to recommendation 12 of the 2022 Raising Their Voices report, which identified systemic inequities and workplace harms within the industry.
Pertame Mirning woman and Support Act Head of First Nations Programs Catherine Satour said the review was designed to give First Nations people across different parts of the industry an opportunity to contribute.
"It's important that every First Nations artist, manager, producer, programmer, crew member, and worker in labels, publishing, festivals, venues and media has a safe space to share their voice," Ms Satour said.
"This isn't just about collecting data; it's about mapping a self-determined future for our industry. Whether your experiences have been positive, challenging, or somewhere in between, we want to hear from you.
"True structural change in the music industry can only happen when First Nations people are holding the microphone and leading the conversation, which is why we're making sure the review is First Nations-led and grounded in culturally safe and community-first methodologies."
Indigenous music workers can contribute by attending an in-person or online workshop, completing a survey or making an online submission.
Bwgcolman and Ewamian woman and Cox Inall Ridgeway Senior Consultant Ash Bartley said the consultation would help inform work towards a safer and more equitable sector.
"The contemporary music industry holds incredible space for First Nations storytelling, but it must be an environment where our people feel safe, celebrated, and structurally supported," Ms Bartley said.
"We look forward to listening deeply to community voices across the music industry to help shape a safer, more equitable music sector."
A 14-member First Nations Steering Committee has also been appointed to provide community-led oversight of the review.
The committee brings together artists, music community leaders and industry professionals from regional and metropolitan Australia, including Neil Morris, Fred Gesha, Naomi Pigram, Kaleena Smith, Matty Mills, Genise Williams, Kelly Hellmrich, Jared Wall, Letisha Ackland, Nancy Bates, Leah Flanagan, Nathaniel Andrew, Julia Robinson, and Mayella Dewis-Koroi.
Following the September sessions, consultations will continue through Cairns, Thursday Island, Canberra, Darwin, Alice Springs, Perth, Broome, Melbourne, Shepparton, Adelaide and Hobart, alongside four online sessions running between September and November.
Survey responses and submissions close on Friday, November 13, with the final report expected in early 2027.
