- New initiative 'Homegrown' to create more opportunities for Queensland artists to open for major touring acts and perform on state-owned stages.
- Queensland on Tour is also expanding to deliver more live music to more corners of Queensland.
- Work underway on practical ways to support grassroots live music venues as part of the Nightlife Economy Action Plan.
- Crisafulli Government delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger nightlife economy as Queensland prepares to host the world in 2032.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a major boost to Queensland music artists to enhance the State's nightlife economy, with new incentives to give more local artists gigs at headline events and strengthen the live music industry.
The former Labor Government spent a decade making everything harder across Queensland's nightlife economy with fewer opportunities for artists and more barriers for the venues that keep our communities alive after dark.
The launch of Homegrown and the expansion of the Queensland on Tour program deliver practical reforms that make it easier and more viable for grassroots venues to host live music across the State.
Homegrown will see major touring artists given incentives, including discounts on state-owned venues, if they include local Queensland artists as support acts, increasing opportunities for local musicians to perform in front of large audiences on local state-owned stages.
Queensland on Tour is also being expanded to showcase more regional venues and connect them with national music promoters - ensuring more bands and musicians tour more of the State.
Together the initiatives help create stronger pathways for emerging Queensland artists, bring vibrancy and economic benefits to our regions and help grassroots venues thrive, all part of delivering a more safe and vibrant nightlife for Queenslanders.
Work is also underway on licencing and fee reforms which are aimed at making it easier and more financially viable for grassroots venues to host live music, as part of the first initiatives ahead of the full Nightlife Economy Action Plan, which is being released soon.
Minister for Youth Sam O'Connor said the Crisafulli Government was delivering reforms to strengthen live music, support grassroots venues and create more opportunities for Queensland artists.
"We're creating more opportunities for artists by discounts for big acts who have a local opener through Homegrown, expanding Queensland on Tour and continuing to work with industry to help reduce the red tape and cut fees for the grassroots venues that are the lifeblood of our live music scene," Minister O'Connor said.
"A thriving live music industry supports local businesses, creates jobs, attracts visitors and helps build vibrant experiences across Queensland.
"Unlike the former Labor Government, we're backing live music across Queensland with new initiatives that will help artists, venues and audiences thrive."
Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the Crisafulli Government was delivering practical support to local venues, live music and Queensland jobs.
"We know Labor left live music on life support, and we're focused on creating a stronger night-time economy for Queensland in the lead up to 2032," the Attorney-General said.
"We've been listening to industry, and work is underway on initiatives to reduce liquor licence fees for venues that host live music, helping them put on more entertainment, attract more patrons and support local musicians."
Night-Life Economy Commissioner John "JC" Collins said the first initiatives announced under the Action Plan reflected the key themes consistently raised throughout his statewide listening tour.
"During my listening tour across Queensland, it became clear that our grassroots live music venues need urgent support if they are to survive and continue providing opportunities for artists and audiences alike," Mr Collins said.
"We also need to ensure emerging Queensland artists have stages on which to develop their craft, particularly if we want Queensland talent to be front and centre as we head towards Brisbane 2032.
"It's encouraging to see those conversations helping shape the Government's Action Plan. Stronger venues create stronger opportunities for Queensland artists and ultimately a stronger nighttime economy, ensuring Queensland's live music industry survives the current climate they're facing. "
