More Australian musicians set to open global superstar acts

The NSW state government has announced international artists will receive reduced venue hire fees if they have Australian musicians open their shows.

The incentive will initially be available for two years, and it applies to the state’s largest venues, including Accor Stadium, the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Opera House.

It comes after years of challenges for Australian musicians, from declining local live music during COVID to the cancellation of music festivals.

Image: Image by Asher Hansow. Unsplash

Produced By: Jessica O’Bryan

Featured In Story: Catherine Strong, Associate Professor of RMIT Music Industry program, and Tim Kelly, PhD candidate at University of Technology Sydney Program and Director of Arts and Entertainment Management at the Australian Institute of Music

First aired on The Wire, Monday 5 May 2025