Photo: APRA AMCOS
Jimmy Barnes, Josh Pyke, Suzy Demarchi and other Australian artists have performed at Parliament House in an event organised by the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Music. The stated aim of the group is to 'recognise the economic and cultural significance of the Australian music industry and raise awareness to the Parliament of its importance'.
Following his performance, Barnes commented on challenges faced by Australian musicians and songwriters and called for Government support.
'Musicians struggle for most of their careers. It’s a struggling business. There needs to be more funding for the arts, for music, for rock music. I've seen a lot of great musicians, a lot of great songwriters, come and starve to death and disappear.'
Government backbencher Mr Ewen Jones MP, co-convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Music stated, 'You won't find a more creative, a more innovative industry than music. This is perfect for our agenda.'
More on the story is available at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-16/jimmy-barnes-rocks-parliament-to-put-music-on-political-agenda/7249676
