Category Archives: News
Make Music Day!
Make Music Day is the annual celebration of music making, where everybody can create
their own stage and share one of our most cherished social and artistic activities. On
Wednesday, 21 st June, Make Music Day will come to life again across Australia and the
rest of the world. Continue reading
2023-24 Federal Budget
The Albanese Government handed down its first regular budget on Tuesday 9th May, with the first surplus in over a decade and a number of election commitments and
Instant Asset Write-off
- For eligible businesses that have an annual turnover of less than $10 million.
- This is a lower threshold than the original Temporary Full Expensing measure, introduced in 2020
- Applies to eligible depreciable assets, up to $20,000 (increased from $1,000)
- The write off can be used for multiple assets, each up to the $20,000 threshold
- The scheme ends on 30th June 2024
Read more: Budget Papers | Smart Company
Payday Super
From July 1, 2026, employers will need to pay superannuation on payday, rather than quarterly. This policy is still being developed, some business advocates are calling for monthly payments being allowed for certain businesses, and there is some time before implementation.
Read more: ABC News | Smart Company
Promoting energy efficient commercial buildings
- Commencing 1 July 2025
- This measure extends the clean building managed investment trust withholding tax concession to eligible data centres and warehouses where construction commenced after Budget night.
- Buildings will also need to satisfy higher energy efficiency standards to qualify for the concession.
Small Business Energy Incentive
- For businesses with an annual turnover of less than $50 million
- Provides an additional 20% deduction (ie. 120% deduction) on spending that supports electrification and more efficient use of energy.
- Applies to new depreciating assets, as well as upgrades to existing assets
- Exclusions include electric vehicles, renewable electricity generation assets, capital works, and assets that are not connected to the electricity grid and use fossil fuels
Read more: CPA (p13)
Export
- The Export Market Development Grants program is continuing but has been reduced by $61 million over 3 years
Cyber Security
- Cyber Wardens, an initiative of COSBOA, to increase cyber security skills and awareness in small businesses
- Maintained funding
- See cyberwardens.com.au
- Work is continuing on establishing a National Anti-Scam Centre, and other measures to address cyber security.
Arts / Music
- The Budget confirmed funding for a policy announced in January, Revive, which includes investment in a rebranded and restructured Australia Council (to be renamed ‘Creative Australia’,
- $286 million for the delivery of the Revive policy, of which $69.4 million is for Music Australia.
- There is additional funding for the National Collecting Institutions, the screen industry’s Location Offset, and other measures.
More info: National Cultural Policy (Revive) | Budget announcement
Australian Success at the 2023 NAMM Show
20th April 2023 – Alex Masso
AMA members were well represented at the 2023 NAMM Show, held at its regular home of the Anaheim Convention Center in the off-schedule month of April. This year’s event was widely understood to be a ‘stepping stone’ back to the regular schedule and scale of a January NAMM Show, which will return on 25th-28th January 2024. It also marked a transitional moment as Joe Lamond’s last show, and last month, as CEO and President, a position he has held for two decades as only the third NAMM CEO since 1948. |
Free CCTV packages in Sydney
29th March 2023
Small businesses may be eligible for a free Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) package through the Community and Small Business CCTV Fund. Continue reading
D’Addario Australia Partners With Fenech Guitars
22nd March 2023
D’Addario Australia, one of Australia’s leading music products distributors, has announced a partnership Fenech Guitars, a growing Gold Coast-based producer of high end guitars. D’Addario will be the exclusive sales agent in Australia, effective 1st April 2023.
“Fenech Guitars have gained recognition as being some of the finest guitars available today” said Mark Inglese, General Manager of D’Addario Australia, in the company’s announcement. “Their precision & attention to detail in every aspect of guitar making has resulted in guitars which have become renowned for delivering exceptional volume, tone & playability. D’Addario Australia is very proud to partner with Fenech Guitars and is looking forward to growing the |
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“We are proud to partner with D’Addario Australia and we very much look forward to working with them” said an announcement on social media from Fenech Guitars. “Now we must get back to saw dust, chisels, and doing what we absolutely love…… making the very best acoustic guitars!”
D’Addario Australia and Fenech Guitars are AMA members. |
AMA Honours Decades of Service
9th March, 2023
The Australian Music Association has presented awards to Rob Walker and Greg Phillips at a special industry reception, held at the Melbourne Guitar Show. These are rarely presented, only for individuals that have made a significant long-term contribution to the music products industry, and this was the first award presentation since 2019. Continue reading
Willson Band Instruments Joins Eastman Music Company
2nd March 2023
Eastman Music Company today announced that Willson Band Instruments of Flums, Switzerland is joining the Eastman family of brands. Known for excellence, Willson has been a leader in brass musical instruments for over 70 years. Willson will join a growing family of some of the finest products in the music industry today including Eastman, Wm. S. Haynes Co., S. E. Shires Co., Backun Musical Services, Laskey, and Bourgeois Guitars. Continue reading
National Music Announces Partnership with Pratley Guitars as Official Australian Distributor
1st March, 2023
The company’s range of acoustic and electric guitars are universally respected for their exceptional tone, playability, and stunning craftmanship. Artists who choose to play a Pratley include Josh Teskey, Steph Strings and Ash Grunwald.
National Music Australia Managing Director Louisa Buchanan is excited to partner with Pratley Guitars and offer their exceptional instruments to music stores across Australia. “Pratley Guitars is a highly respected brand in the industry, and their attention to detail and quality craftsmanship are second to none”, said Louisa.
For more information on products and distribution:
Pratley Guitars www.pratleyguitars.com.au
National Music www.nationalmusic.com.au
National Music is an AMA Member and will be exhibiting at Melbourne Guitar Show on 4th-5th March, 2023. See www.melbourneguitarshow.com.au for more information.
NAMM CEO & President Announced
15th February 2023
After a comprehensive year-long search, industry veteran and music education advocate John Mlynczak has been appointed as the next President and CEO of The National Association of Music Merchants. Continue reading