Skipping a beat: Assessing the state of gender equality in the Australian music industry

Abstract

This report demonstrates that male advantage is a pervasive feature of the Australian music industry. Using publicly available published data the report interrogates the industry dynamics that have produced a contemporary music scene in which radio playlists, festival line-ups, industry awards, peak bodies and major industry boards are dominated by male contributions and voices. We make 5 key recommendations, discussed in more detail in the report, to begin the process of addressing the industry’s chronic gender inequality: 1. Collect more and better data on the music industry on a gender disaggregated basis; 2. Establish a well-resourced independent gender equality industry advocacy body; 3. Use gender equality criteria in deciding public funding outcomes; 4. Increase women’s representation in decision-making structures; 5. Address gender bias in the Australian music industry by prioritising inclusivity and representation as core industry values (for example through funding and implementing training programs). The music industry is skipping a beat when it comes to gender equality. We hope that our report will stimulate industry thinking and action for change.