ARIA and PPCA welcome the Centre for Arts Workplaces

Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) welcome today’s reports and comments from the Hon. Tony Burke MP that a new federal body, the Centre for Arts Workplaces, will be created to address bullying, sexual harassment and mistreatment in the arts industry.

ARIA and PPCA CEO, Annabelle Herd, said: “We welcome the inclusion of a new federal body to address issues of bullying, sexual harassment and mistreatment in the creative industry as part of the National Cultural Policy expected in full tomorrow.

“This announcement will complement and build on the new Respect@Work legislation and changes to existing workplace laws. It is our hope that this will bring new focus and much-needed reform to workplace culture in Australian music – as identified by the Raising Their Voices report into sexual harm, harassment and systemic discrimination in the music industry – which recommended the creation of a music industry council built in conjunction with government. The Centre for Arts and Entertainment Workplaces will directly respond to that recommendation, broadening the scope and building in greater government oversight.

“ARIA and PPCA worked closely alongside other key industry organisations on commissioning the Raising their Voices report to ensure a cohesive industry approach. We look forward to continuing this, and working with the government on the development of the new body and understanding more detail on its governance and industry representation.”