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

I rise today to speak about something that beats at the heart of our creative nation: our live music venues. These spaces are more than bricks and mortar; they are community hubs, incubators of talent and the first stages where artists find their sound and find their audience. Without venues, there is no live music industry. Without live music, we lose part of who we are as Australians. That's why the Albanese government has stepped up with Revive Live—targeted, practical, real-world support that keeps doors open, staff employed and stages lit. It recognises that, when venues thrive, artists thrive, and, when artists thrive, communities flourish.

I'm proud to say that in my community this support is already making an impact. Bodriggy Brewpub, Inflation, Lulie Tavern, the iconic Punters Club, the Evelyn Hotel, the historic Grace Darling Hotel and the ever-energetic Yah Yah's are all benefiting from Revive Live funding. These venues aren't just places to go on Friday nights; they take risks on emerging artists, nurture local talent and give us the soundtrack to our lives. Revive Live ensures these venues can continue. It keeps the pipeline of Australian music strong, from the first gig in the back room to the biggest festival stages in the country. So let's celebrate our venues and keep Australian music live.