BRISBANE, Australia – The Queensland Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry convened its inaugural event for 2026 on Wednesday evening, March 25th, at the esteemed Speaker’s Green within Queensland’s Parliament House. This gathering served as a crucial platform for dialogue between the state’s political representatives and key figures in the music sector, addressing both the sector’s current challenges and its burgeoning potential, particularly in the lead-up to the 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The event provided a vital "health check" and lobbying opportunity for an industry navigating significant shifts.
The evening featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including the State Minister for Education and the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek, QMusic CEO Kris Stewart, Live Nation APAC Senior VP of Touring & Commercial, Luke Hede, and event co-chairs Shane King MP and Sam O’Connor MP. Their discussions underscored the complex landscape of the contemporary music industry, a sector that, while capable of hosting monumental international acts, is simultaneously grappling with the precarious viability of its foundational elements.
A Harmonious Convergence of Politics and Performance
The event was further elevated by a captivating mini-set from three-time ARIA Chart champion Pete Murray. Murray, a celebrated figure in Australian music, performed some of his most recognized hits, including "Feeler" and "Opportunity," offering a poignant reminder of the artistic talent that thrives within Queensland. His performance was followed by an opening set from emerging Brisbane artist Will Day, setting a tone of both established excellence and burgeoning promise for the evening. Following his performance, Murray engaged in discussions with politicians, highlighting the personal impact of the industry’s health on its artists.
The Dichotomy of Success: Record-Breaking Audiences Versus Venue Closures
QMusic CEO Kris Stewart articulated a central paradox facing the Queensland music scene: the ability to attract massive international events like Ed Sheeran’s concert, which drew an estimated 120,000 attendees, stands in stark contrast to the recent closure of significant live music venues. The Sunshine Coast, in particular, has felt the impact of these closures, with Solbar in Maroochydore and The Station in Birtinya ceasing operations. These closures were attributed to a confluence of factors, including escalating operating costs and evolving audience consumption habits.
"It’s that best of times, worst of times, type of situation," Stewart remarked, encapsulating the industry’s dual reality. He elaborated on the broader implications, stating, "We can have Ed Sheeran come to town and be a massive success with 120,000 people. It was a fantastic night, an amazing job. And at the same time, we announced the two most important venues in the Sunshine Coast both closing. What we need to recognize is success is not about a race to the top. The pyramid of the music industry can’t be built with massive success of a few people at the top, and a battle for everyone who is the foundation of our industry." Stewart stressed that a truly healthy industry is one that is "held up by the foundations. It’s held up by our grassroots."
The Shadow of Bluesfest and the Urgency for a Sustainable Ecosystem
The gathering also occurred against the backdrop of the recent collapse of Bluesfest, the widely popular camping festival held annually in Byron Bay, just south of the Queensland border. This unfortunate event left a significant number of music fans, staff, and clients in a state of financial uncertainty, sending ripples of concern throughout the Australian music community.
Shane King MP echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical need for growth rather than decline within the live music sector. "We need live music and music in generally to be growing, not failing," King noted. "Sadly, we heard recently about Bluesfest, which has been devastating for the industry, and devastating for all of us." This sentiment highlights a growing awareness among policymakers of the fragility of the music ecosystem and the imperative to implement supportive measures.
A Strategic Vision for Queensland’s Night-Life Economy
The event provided an opportunity for discussions around proactive policy initiatives aimed at fostering a more robust music sector. Notable attendees included Queensland Labor Party leader and former state premier Steven Miles, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington, and rocker Ian Haug, along with his former Powderfinger bandmate John "JC" Collins. Collins, who now serves as Queensland’s night-life economy commissioner, has been instrumental in developing the state’s first "Night-Life Economy Strategy." This comprehensive document outlines a forward-thinking approach to revitalizing and supporting the sector.
Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth, Sam O’Connor MP, provided an update on this vital strategy, describing it as an "in-depth, grounded, practical pathway forward for the night-life in our state." O’Connor stressed the collaborative nature of the strategy’s development and its intended impact: "The report has been presented to individual ministers because we didn’t want it to be another report that gathers dust on someone’s shelf. We want it to be something that drove change." The strategy aims to address issues such as venue viability, regulatory burdens, and community integration, all of which are critical for a thriving music scene.
Investing in the Future: Legacy Scholarships and Emerging Talent
A significant announcement during the event was the awarding of four legacy scholarships, each valued at A$15,000 (approximately $10,400 USD). Presented by State Minister for Education and the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek, in partnership with Arts Queensland, these scholarships are designed to provide crucial financial support for the next generation of Australian artists. Among the recipients were Paulina, who received the Carol Lloyd Award, and Frank and Louis, recipients of the Billy Thorpe Scholarship. These awards represent a tangible investment in nurturing future talent and ensuring the continued evolution of the music industry.
Kris Stewart reiterated the power of music as a unifying force. "Music is a fantastic connector. We share a lot more than we disagree on," he stated. However, he underscored that the realization of a vibrant music industry in Queensland hinges on collective action and a commitment to supporting the grassroots. "We will not have the next generation of Australian musicians on our stages in 2032 if we don’t protect our musicians and stages right now. These are commitments we can make to our industry. Every small thing we do, that follows that purpose, is something positive and important. We will make sure our city, our musicians, are ready for this amazing moment, but it starts now."
Global Connections: BIGSOUND Announces International Guests
Leveraging the momentum generated by the Parliamentary event, QMusic took the opportunity to reveal the first wave of international guests for BIGSOUND 2026. This annual music industry summit and showcase, scheduled to take place in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley from September 1st to 4th, will host representatives from prominent international organizations, including Rough Trade Record Stores (U.K.), Bandcamp (U.S.), Hellfest (France), Low Profile Sync Agency (U.S.), and Sziget Festival (Hungary). The inclusion of these global players signals Queensland’s growing importance on the international music stage and provides invaluable networking and development opportunities for local artists and industry professionals.
The ongoing dialogue between Queensland’s political leaders and its music industry, exemplified by the Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry event, signifies a commitment to fostering a sustainable and thriving music ecosystem. As the state looks towards the global spotlight of the 2032 Olympics, the health and vibrancy of its music sector are increasingly recognized as integral to its cultural identity and economic future. The challenges are significant, but the collaborative spirit and strategic initiatives discussed and announced at this event offer a promising outlook for the industry’s resilience and growth.
