LATEST NEWS ON THE LICENSING CRISIS IN LIVE MUSIC VENUES
FROM THE MUSICIANS' UNION OF AUSTRALIA

6 OCTOBER 2009
Yesterday we spoke again to State Arts Minister Kosky's Senior Ministerial Advisor. She had previously informed us that the Minister would be away until then. The advisor confirmed that the Minister was now "back on deck" and that the material we had previously beeninvited to submit had been passed on to her.

We stressed the urgency of the situation and the growing concern, particularly among musicians. It was also pointed out that even famous chef Shannon Bennett of high class eatery "Vue de Monde" has objected to his establishment being treated as though it was the same as a "..3000-patron packed bar..." (see Melbourne Herald-Sun 5/10/09). We requested an urgent personal meeting with the Minister and stated that the best way to deal with this obviously absurd situation was to act quickly and that the solutions were already there. The advisor undertook to take all of our concerns to the Minister and said that she would repond in a few days.

We were also asked to send copies of the specific licence clause that is the root of the problem. This has been sent along with examples of licences that have the clause.

If you have received this via one of our supporters please consider contacting us to express your support and providing the best email address for us to send you  further updates. Our email address is:

musiciansua@aol.com

Please send us your concerns and specific examples of the problem, the more of these we can cite to the Minister the better the chance of getting a result..

Terry Noone
Secretary
Musicians' Union of Australia (Melbourne Branch)
150 Bell St. Coburg 3058
Tel:       (03)9355 7620
Fax:      (03)9355 7621
Mob:     0409 405 657
Email:   musiciansua@aol.com
Web:     www.musicians.asn.au
Online Magazine: www.thedues.com