Landmark review to shape future of First Nations music

Charity Support Act has secured funding for a landmark Review into the experiences of First Nations music workers across Australia – and is seeking an independent First Nations-led research partner to undertake the important work.

Backed by Sound NSW’s Contemporary Music Development Grants, the First Nations–led Review — titled Raising Our Voices — will examine cultural safety, representation and participation in the contemporary music industry.

The Review responds to a key recommendation from the 2022 Raising Their Voices report, which identified systemic inequities and cultural harm in the Australian music industry, including high rates of sexual harassment and bullying, alongside entrenched barriers and limited independent reporting pathways for marginalised groups.

The Review forms part of the sector’s broader response to the Raising Their Voices recommendations, alongside other initiatives such as the development of the new Music Code, led by Creative Workplaces, to support safer and more respectful workplaces across the music sector.

Raising Our Voices will engage First Nations music workers across metropolitan, regional and remote Australia and will produce practical recommendations to strengthen cultural safety, representation, and leadership pathways in contemporary music.

The first phase of the research program is funded by the NSW Government through Sound NSW.

Catherine Satour, Support Act First Nations Program Manager, with attendees at Yarning Strong at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January. (Photo Glen ‘Gling’ Hunt)

Funding will support First Nations-led and co-designed research with First Nations music workers and will engage organisations across NSW, including Western Sydney, the South Coast, Northern Rivers and regional communities.

The second phase will include other states and territories, enabled by additional funding from Creative Workplaces, Creative Victoria, Music Australia, The Tony Foundation, and the funders of the 2022 Raising Their Voices report.

The research project will be led by Support Act’s First Nations Program Manager, Catherine Satour, supported by a First Nations Steering Committee that will provide cultural governance, strategic guidance and music industry expertise.

The Steering Committee includes: Kaleena Smith (Music NSW), Travis De Vries (Awesome Blak), Matty Mills (SBS/NITV&NOVA FM), Genise Williams (Clapsticks Productions), Kelly Hellmrich (Bad Apples), Jared Wall (Boox Kid), Letisha Ackland (Balya Productions), Nancy Bates (Deadly Management), Leah Flanagan (NATSIMO) / Nathaniel Andrew (NATSIMO), Julia Robinson (ARIA + PPCA), Mayella Dewis-Koroi (Artist/Producer).

“Systemic change is needed”

Catherine Satour said the Review would centre First Nations voices in shaping the future of the music industry.

“Raising Their Voices made it clear that systemic change is needed. This Review is about listening properly, doing the work in a culturally safe way, and ensuring First Nations music workers are not just consulted, but central to shaping the future of the industry,” she said.

We want practical outcomes — stronger representation, safer workplaces, and clearer leadership pathways — that translate into real change across Australian contemporary music.”

Support Act CEO Clive Miller said the Review represented the next stage of industry reform.

“The Raising Their Voices report was a watershed moment for our industry. This new Review is about taking another important step — turning a key recommendation into action and ensuring First Nations music workers see tangible change,” he said.

Research tenders now sought

“A contemporary music industry that values creativity must also value cultural safety, equity and leadership. We’re committed to delivering a rigorous process that results in clear, practical reforms the sector can adopt and measure progress against.”

Nationally respected organisational culture and integrity expert Alex Shehadie, author of the 2022 Raising Their Voices report, will support the Review to ensure continuity with the original recommendations and reform framework.

Support Act is now seeking tenders from suitably qualified consultancies to undertake the research, with preference given to First Nations–owned or led organisations or those able to demonstrate genuine partnerships with First Nations researchers and communities and strong experience in culturally safe, trauma-informed research methodologies.

About Support Act

Support Act is a registered charity that provides crisis relief, mental health and wellbeing support to musicians, artist managers, crew and music workers across all genres of music who are in crisis or who are experiencing, or are at risk of, psychological distress.

It delivers this through short-term financial support; funeral support; mental health prevention, education and training programs; programs and services for First Nations music workers; and the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline.

Support Act’s mental health and EAP services are now available to all people who work in the creative industries. These include the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline, a free counselling service that can be accessed by calling #1800 959 500, and a range of education and training workshops, training and resources.