The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts has recommended that 25 per cent of all songs played on commercial radio should be Australian, while also recommending a quarter of all songs played to be released in the last year.

These are just two out of the 16 recommendations made to the Australia government to ensure the future growth and sustainability of the Australian music sector.

As reported by TMN, Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner said: “The commercial radio industry has been working closely and collaboratively with the music industry over the last 12 months in relation to Australian music quotas.

“This work will continue. We have only just seen the report and the recommendations to impose more cost and regulation on local commercial radio stations.

“The recommendations relate to complex issues and we do not accept them as a way forward – especially in light of the fact that they invariably will result in more regulation of local radio stations while the internet and music streaming services remain, to all intents and purposes, regulation free.”

APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston said: “The report comes at a time when both major parties have released policy and funding commitments in support of the Australia music industry.

“The Committee’s sixteen recommendations rightly highlight areas that need significant investment from Government in partnership with industry.

“We acknowledge the advocacy of our music industry colleagues who represent the breadth of the music ecosystem in championing all areas of the industry.

“We also welcome the recommendations around the importance of Australian music content on radio and music streaming services.”

Committee chair Luke Howarth MP said investing in the support and promotion of Aussie artists and other industry careers is essential for the growth and sustainability of the Australian music industry.

He said: “The music industry has experienced significant disruption as a result of technological advances and the rapid digitisation of the distribution of music.

“However, the industry’s recent return to growth and decrease in the number of consumers downloading music illegally is evidence of the industry’s successful adaption to the digital disruption.”