Sarah Witty (Melbourne, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'm excited to let you know that November is Australian Music Month, a fantastic time to celebrate the incredible talent, creativity and culture power of our local Aus music scene. In my electorate of Melbourne, music isn't just entertainment; it's a part of who we are. It fills our iconic pubs, like the Corner Hotel and the Tote, laneways and stadiums as big as the MCG. It drives our festivals—too many to mention—and brings people together across all generations and backgrounds.

Recently I had the privilege of visiting the amazing Bakehouse Studios in Richmond with the Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman. It is a legendary creative space that has hosted just about every major Australian artist you can name. I give a very special thanks to Quincy McLean and Helen Marcou for their passion and for helping to keep Australian music alive. Bakehouse has hosted everyone, from the Go-Betweens to Courtney Barnett, Paul Kelly and the Avalanches—the list goes on and on. Bakehouse is also a favourite destination for international music artists. It showcases visual arts and it opens its doors for photography and filming. It is truly a wonderful creative space.

On the day I visited, at least five bands and artists were rehearsing, including the Temper Trap, the Pierce Brothers and an artist named r.em.edy, who is writing and recording her music there with the help of Revive Live grants received by Bakehouse to help artists with disabilities. That energy, creative people working side by side, is what makes Bakehouse so special and why I truly enjoyed my visit there. What struck me most was not just the history of those walls but the sense of community. Bakehouse has long been a place where musicians, producers and performers come together to collaborate, experiment and keep our live music culture thriving.

As we celebrate Australia's music month, we recognise the artists, venues and workers who make this industry possible and we commit to supporting them through fair pay, safe workplaces and investment in the creative economy. Part of that investment is through our government's successful Revive Live program, which is delivering millions in funding to help live music venues and festivals bounce back, supporting touring artists and ensuring Australian music is heard, loud and proud, across the country and the world—because when Australian music thrives, our whole culture thrives.

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