Musicians Australia

07/10/2026

MEAA members have successfully secured recognition of a minimum fee for publicly funded gigs across Australia. Now we're calling on the music industry to back fair pay and support an increase to the minimum fee to $300 plus superannuation.

Sign the petition and add your voice: meaa.io/muso-pledge

15/09/2026

In this Senza Sord interview, Tania Hardy-Smith and Bruce Ridge share stories from the front lines of orchestral advocacy - discussing leadership, solidarity, funding battles, and the importance of giving musicians a strong collective voice.

Their message is simple: the future of orchestras depends on musicians supporting one another and speaking up for the value of their work.

Read more in the Winter 2026 edition of Senza Sord.



https://meaa.io/4gVvfdi

09/09/2026

Superannuation is not optional. Musicians are entitled to superannuation just like every other worker. Join MEAA members in challenging exploitative practices in the music industry.

Demand to be paid. Join your union. https://meaa.io/4l3pAS0

07/09/2026

Whether it's theatre, opera, ballet or musical theatre, live musicians bring energy, nuance and emotion to every production.

Audiences shouldn't be asked to pay more for performances that deliver less artistic authenticity.

That's why MEAA's Keep Music Live campaign is advocating for productions powered by musicians, not recordings, whenever a live orchestra or band can and should be used.

Find our more and get involved meaa.io/keep_music_live

06/09/2026

Superannuation is not optional. Musicians are entitled to superannuation just like every other worker.

MEAA members are organising to:

-educate musicians about their rights

-challenge practices that undermine those rights

-hold businesses accountable for meeting their obligations

Read more: https://meaa.io/4zTLAH1

03/09/2026

“Live performance is our greatest creation as human beings.” says Lachlan Bramble, musician and MEAA Musicians President for SA and NT.

03/09/2026

When live music is replaced with recordings, it's not just musicians who lose out. Artistic excellence, spontaneity and cultural integrity are lost too.

MEAA is calling on performing arts companies and funding bodies to:

Prioritise live musicians wherever possible

Be transparent about the use of recordings

Support authentic live performance rather than digital substitutes

Together, we can help ensure sustainable careers for musicians and a stronger future for Australia's performing arts.

Find our more and get involved. https://meaa.io/4zJoBhz

01/09/2026

Double Bass player, professional musician and MEAA federal council member Chloe Williamson is speaking out about the reality facing many performers. Musicians should never be forced to take a pay cut to fund an entitlement that should already be provided. Musicians deserve to be paid superannuation on top of their performance fees.
Read more: https://meaa.io/462tXqs

31/08/2026

Double Bass player, professional musician and MEAA federal council member Chloe Williamson is speaking out about the reality facing many performers. Musicians should never be forced to take a pay cut to fund an entitlement that should already be provided.

Read more: https://meaa.io/462tXqs

26/08/2026

Dolly Parton was more than an icon with an incredibly long legacy as one of the world’s greatest singer/songwriters. She was a dedicated unionist and was deeply committed to lifting others up. Dolly was a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians of the US & Canada and Local 257 (Nashville Musicians Association) for 58 years, and a member of SAG-AFTRA since 1969.

She set the gold standard for supporting musicians, ensuring they worked under union contracts. We extend our deepest condolences to all who knew her and loved her and her music.

Rest in power, Dolly.

A beloved icon and philanthropist, Parton was one of the most recognisable stars of the country music world for decades.