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Policy experts and people from across Australia’s arts and culture sector will join forces in September to propose creative ways of helping the industry flourish.

The Art of Tax Reform Summit, to be held at the Sydney Opera House on September 26, will produce recommendations for the next National Cultural Policy, due in 2028.

The Summit will bring together economics and tax policy experts as well as artists, donors, venue operators and other participants in the arts and culture fields.

More enterprises contributing to Australia’s $122.3 billion creative industry are based in NSW than anywhere else. 

But many leading organisations struggle to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world, and artists and arts workers face the challenge of unpredictable incomes.

Creative Australia’s Artists as Workers report last year found a typical professional artist’s gross income was $54,500, including $16,000 from non-arts sources. The report noted this compared poorly to the incomes of similarly skilled and qualified workers in the 2021 census such as “managers” at $107,400 and “professionals” at $98,700. 

The summit will look for ways to address the industry’s many hurdles through tax reform. Some ideas already on the table include: 

• Live Performance Australia’s Live Theatre Tax Offset, which would prioritise investment in new work over the fixed costs of running a theatre.
• Tax rebates for live music – a proposal by the music rights management organisation APRA AMCOS intended to support venues.
• A review of prize money tax settings proposed by the National Association for the Visual Arts, addressing the fact that winners of government funded arts prizes must pay tax on that prize money. 

The Minns Labor Government is inviting submissions for the Summit, following an investment of nearly $1.4 billion into the arts and creative industries in last month’s Budget, including:

• $844.4 million for our Cultural Institutions
• $280 million for the Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) and Digital Games Rebate programs
• $100 million to begin the hunt for the second film studio for Sydney
• $27 million to strengthen the contemporary music industry through Sound NSW’s work
• $27.4 million for the 24-Hour Economy
• and the $73 million for the Arts and Cultural Funding Program package as announced in 2024-25

Submissions are open until Sunday 10 August 2025 and can be made by visiting https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/cultural-tax-reform

These submissions will shape the agenda of the Summit on 26 September 2025.

Minister for the Arts, Music and the Night-Time Economy, John Graham said:

“It is time to talk tax. In September we are bringing tax policy experts together with leaders from across the arts, culture and creative industries, as well as philanthropy and the commercial sector to develop a suite of tax reform initiatives to present to the Commonwealth as they develop the next national cultural policy.

“This will be the most unusual show the Opera House has hosted, and its impact could last generations.

“Two of the biggest levers Governments have to support the arts and creative sectors are regulatory change and funding.

“If tax boffins and creatives can agree on something then our nation should take notice.

“The NSW Government will continue our strong commitment to arts funding. This year we have a NSW arts and culture budget investing nearly $1.4 billion into the creative industries, we have seen some of our biggest years in audiences across art-forms, and yet the sector is still struggling.”

NSW Treasurer, Daniel Mookhey said:

“The creative industries are a cornerstone of Australia’s cultural identity and an important contributor to the economy.

“The sector is telling us that tax policy settings are a significant impediment to artists’ business viability, international competitiveness and income stability.

“That is why NSW is pleased to host this summit. It will bring our brightest creative thinkers together with tax and economic experts – to develop a set of reform initiatives to discuss with our Commonwealth colleagues.”

Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos said:

“The NSW Government is committed to building a more inclusive and innovative economy. That means recognising the value of creative labour and policy settings that support it.

“NSW’s creative industries are vital to our cultural identity and economic prosperity. That’s why we’re working closely with the sector to support tax policies that reflect the realities of creative work so that talent can flourish across NSW.

“This summit is a unique opportunity to modernise how we support creativity through the tax system, ensuring fairness, sustainability, and growth for the long term.”

The NSW Government is launching the country’s largest prize for music, to celebrate the state’s exceptional contemporary musicians and give them a career-boosting cash injection.

Aiming to inspire the next AC/DC, Delta Goodrem or The Kid Laroi, the NSW Music Prize will be awarded at an award ceremony in November 2025 during Ausmusic Month.

There will be three categories:

• $80,000 NSW Music Prize, to be awarded to the NSW artist or act whose release has had the most significant impact.
• $40,000 NSW First Nations Music Prize for an NSW First Nations artist or act whose release has had significant and meaningful impact.
• $40,000 NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year for an emerging NSW artist or act who has had a groundbreaking year.

The prizes will be awarded to NSW-based artists or acts who have demonstrated exceptional creative achievements and meaningful impact between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 by releasing music or achieving a major career breakthrough.

A Selection Committee of 20 music industry experts will nominate artists and create a longlist for the NSW Music Prize and NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year. An expert Judging Panel of five will then determine the winners.

A Nominations Committee of five First Nations industry experts will be appointed to submit nominations for the NSW First Nations Music Prize and deliver finalists for a Judging Panel of three First Nations experts from the music industry to select the winner.

Delivering the annual prize is the latest action from the NSW Government’s 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy. The strategy aims to grow the sector in the face of significant headwinds including unpredictable ticket sales, a retraction in music festivals and competition from international artists on streaming services. Since coming to office in 2023 the government has:

• Introduced ‘Michael’s Rule’ incentives for international touring artists to book local supports.
• Established the Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund in September 2024 which has allocated a combined $2.25 million of emergency funding to five festivals.
• Delivered recording, touring and promotion grants to help artists and bands create new work, grow audiences and build their careers.
• Initiated Venue Upgrade grants for operators to install sound proofing and get their venues gig ready.
• Offered extended trading hours and an 80% discount on licensing fees for venues that program live music which has tripled the number of venues receiving these incentives.
• Reformed the noise complaints system so single serial noise complainants can no longer shut down existing live music venues.
• Rolling out Special Entertainment Precincts that future proof entertainment districts.

Expressions of Interest are now open to join the nominations committee and judging panels. To apply, or for more information visit the Sound NSW website. Expressions of Interest close Monday 21 July.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“Despite the fact NSW is the engine room of Australia’s music industry, we were one of the only states that didn’t have a music prize. I thought that was a travesty, so the arrival of the NSW Music Prize will right that wrong.

“This investment will celebrate our artists, boost their careers and inspire the next generation to shoot for the stars.

“Awarding the country’s biggest cash prize, demonstrates we’re serious about backing our musicians, recognising their cultural contribution and supporting them through challenging times.

“We often say that ‘Labor loves live music’ and this is us putting it into practice. The NSW live music industry employs over 14,000 and we are backing it to keep growing.”

Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins said:

“The NSW Music Prize is all about celebrating the incredible talent we have in NSW, and acknowledging those who dedicate themselves to creating the soundtracks to our lives.

“In launching the NSW Music Prize, we’re valuing local music and the artists who create it, and making a significant investment into the careers of some of our top talent. NSW artists deserve to be valued and celebrated, and Sound NSW is proud to be delivering the Prize.

“I encourage all interested music industry and media professionals, and those in businesses and organisations with an understanding of the NSW music landscape and local contemporary music artists to submit their Expression of Interest to join the Nominations Committee, Judging Panel, or First Nations Nominations Committee and Judging Panel.”

CEO ARIA PPCA, and Sound NSW Advisory Board member Annabelle Herd said:

“By actively supporting outstanding, export-ready music through the NSW Music Prize, we’re empowering artists to compete in today’s global music market. NSW has a long and proud history of launching some of Australia’s greatest artists onto the global stage, and this targeted approach helps continue that legacy.

“The direct investment in First Nations music in particular ensures we are not only supporting, but actively celebrating, the richness and cultural depth at the heart of our music community.”

Co-Founder (Frontier Touring) and Founder (Chugg Music) Michael Chugg AM said:

“The input of the NSW Government and Sound NSW into the statewide music industry has created a lot of excitement and this latest announcement is a great step forward for the 1000s of talented musicians, artists, and industry workers who ply their talent playing, writing, and making great music, from the big cities to the smallest villages in our state.

“The NSW Music Prize will garner great publicity for our artists and provide much-needed funding to advance their careers – not just in Australia, but globally – by enabling artists, industry professionals, and companies to open doors worldwide to our wonderful music.”

The Minns Labor Government is ensuring local hospitality venues can take full advantage of the blockbuster British & Irish Lions Tour with extended late-night trading approved for two of the biggest rugby matches on the 2025 sporting calendar.

Pubs, bars and clubs across the City of Sydney will be able to trade until 1am following the Lions’ clash with the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium tonight.

For the Lions v Wallabies Test at Accor Stadium on Saturday 2 August, which could decide the three-Test series, extended trading will apply to eligible venues in the City of Sydney and City of Parramatta, allowing them to stay open until 2am.

These extended hours will allow local fans and the touring Lions’ supporters more time to soak up the atmosphere of these word class matches in a safe and lively way beyond the final whistle.

Lions Tours to Australia only happen once every 12 years and this year’s version is expected to draw tens of thousands of interstate and international travellers, providing a major boost to the NSW economy and putting the state’s world-class hospitality and entertainment offering in the global spotlight.

Special event extended trading has also been approved for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 from 23 August to 28 September so NSW fans can get together in their favourite venue to cheer on the Wallaroos in England.

Licensed venues in NSW may open and trade during the scheduled broadcast times of all Australia’s matches, as well as the quarter finals, semi-finals and final, provided the game is shown live on the premises.

In addition, the Minister for Gaming and Racing has approved extended trading at eligible venues for several other events across the state, including:

• NRL Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals
• Bathurst 1000
• King Street Crawl, Sydney
• Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
• Australian Darts Masters, Wollongong
• D’Vine Food and Wine Festival, Hunter Valley
• Flavours of Mudgee Street Festival
• Wimbledon Men’s and Women’s Finals (if an Australian is playing)
• SXSW Sydney
• New Annual Festival, Newcastle
• World Triathlon Championship, Wollongong
• Marrickville Music Festival, Sydney
• Parramatta Lanes, Western Sydney
• Balmain Festival, Sydney
• Wallabies v England Test Match.

Full details and eligibility criteria are available on the Liquor & Gaming NSW website:  https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/special-event-extended-trading-hours-july-to-december-2025 

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:

“This is another step in bringing our city back to life – making sure our venues can trade late enough during big events like the Lions Tour matches.

“When tens of thousands of international rugby fans walk out of the stadium, they should step into a vibrant nightlife, not quiet empty streets.

“We want sports fans to have an amazing experience during and after the match. It’s good for the city and it’s good for our hospitality operators.”

Acting Minister for Jobs and Tourism Kate Washington said:

“The British and Irish Lions tour will bring a major boost to the NSW visitor economy, with fans descending on Sydney from across the globe.

“They won’t just be cheering in stadiums – they’ll be filling hotel rooms, restaurants, pubs and shops across Sydney, soaking up everything our great city has to offer.

“Extended trading hours will give fans even more time to enjoy Sydney’s legendary hospitality. It’s a win for local businesses and communities, a win for visitors, and a fantastic way to showcase our city on the world stage.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“When major sporting events come to town, full time on the scoreboard shouldn’t mean full time for the night.

“Extended trading for major events like the Lions Tour gives fans and visitors more ways to celebrate while supporting local jobs and businesses.

“It ensures the community and visitors can enjoy these important events in a safe and responsible way.

“Eligible venues intending to take advantage of the extended trading hours must ensure they continue to adhere to Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements and have appropriate measures in place to ensure the safety of their patrons.

“By extending trading hours during Australia’s games at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, the NSW Government is backing the surge in support for elite women’s sport and making sure supporters don’t miss a minute. “

In the latest push to bring Sydney’s night-time economy back to life, the Minns Labor Government is supporting Manly and Cronulla to establish Special Entertainment Precincts.

The re-prioritisation of entertainment in these iconic suburbs aims to usher in a new era reminiscent of the days when beachside pubs and surf clubs hosted bands like INXS, Midnight Oil and The Angels.

Building on Manly and Cronulla’s reputation for surf and natural beauty, this will boost entertainment and culture before and after dark, providing more vibrancy for locals and a bigger drawcard for visitors.

Manly and Cronulla will join a pipeline of NSW suburbs and towns that are establishing entertainment precincts to boost nightlife and trade.

The state’s first ever Special Entertainment Precinct was made permanent on Enmore Road in December 2023 which has led to boosted foot traffic, business revenue, night-time visitation and 84% support in a local community survey. 

Since then, local councils in Burwood, Fairfield, Hornsby, the Inner West, City of Sydney and Byron Bay have announced they are establishing Special Entertainment Precinct trials. 14 other councils have also formally expressed interest in establishing of entertainment precincts. 

The NSW Government’s Special Entertainment Precinct initiative allows councils to extend trading hours and tailor sound rules within a designated area so individual operators can take up those conditions without the costly process of amending their individual development consents.

Once established, Special Entertainment Precincts allow councils to future proof their entertainment precincts by notifying residents and prospective home buyers that they will be living in a defined area where later trading hours and higher levels of sound are supported by council.

Northern Beaches Council will receive funding under the NSW Government’s SEP Kickstart Grant program ($173,760) to establish a trial in Manly’s Corso to future-proof its unique local identity, culture, visitor infrastructure, status as an established night-time precinct and events like Winterfest.

Cronulla’s town centre will also become a SEP trial area with Sutherland Shire Council awarded a SEP Kickstart Grant ($200,000) which will support the council’s long-term vision for a thriving, vibrant and safe night-time economy to extend popular daytime visitation into night-time activity and deliver a better mix of entertainment options like recent Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival.

Rolling out Special Entertainment Precincts across NSW is one of many tools the Minns Labor Government is using to rebuild a vibrant and safe night-time economy after a decade of lockouts and overregulation by the former Liberal Government.

For more information click here.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“In the 80s and 90s our beachside suburbs were a huge part of the iconic pub rock scene. It’s time to bring some of that back, but in a way that meets today’s culture.

“Beautiful beaches and great nightlife don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

“I congratulate the Manly and Cronulla councils for taking this important step to boosting their night-time economies. Getting the trading hours and noise settings right for local businesses will help these iconic beach suburbs thrive once the sun goes down.

“Since we came to office we’ve been working hard to bring Sydney back to life after the former Liberal government decimated our night-time economy with lockouts and overregulation. We’re now taking that revival to the beach.”

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:

“We often compare Sydney to London or New York when it comes to nightlife. Neither of those cities have beaches nor the temperate environment we enjoy. It’s great to see Manly and Cronulla, two of our premier city beach destinations, embracing the opportunity afforded to them through the Special Entertainment Precinct model.

“Consultation is key, and this funding will help councils work with local businesses, creatives, residents, police and other local leaders to get the settings right.

“By establishing SEP trials and working alongside businesses and the wider community, these councils will ensure their nightlife offerings continue to evolve in line with community needs.”

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins said:

“We’re so pleased to receive this kickstart grant for a Special Entertainment Precinct in Manly. Everyone knows how good Manly beach is, but it is more than just that.  This trial will help show how Manly could flourish as a premier destination for entertainment, dining, and culture, while ensuring the right balance between business success and community amenity.

“This grant will fund our acoustic testing for event and non-event zones. Events like last week’s hugely successful Rise Manly Winter Festival, where venues offered 10 days of diverse experiences for all ages from sunrise to sundown, are a prime example of some of the testing we plan to undertake.

“We are committed to working closely with the community, local businesses, NSW Police and other key stakeholders to tailor noise management and trading hours, giving businesses certainty and residents confidence in the viability of this initiative.”

Sutherland Shire Council Mayor Jack Boyd said:

“We have some tremendous bars, eateries and entertainment venues in Cronulla, and through the establishment of a Special Entertainment Precinct we will support our quality local operators to provide more entertainment options for local residents,” Mayor Boyd said.

“Through extensive community consultation we know there is a real desire for people looking to spend their entertainment dollars locally and enjoy a night out, see some great live music, or enjoy a drink with friends after heading out for a meal while staying in the Sutherland Shire.

“This initiative will help Council to back our amazing local business community in delivering more diverse and vibrant night-time entertainment options right here in Cronulla and help harness the desire of local residents to shop, dine, drink and enjoy themselves locally.”

Hundreds of families across Far West NSW are a step closer to accessing fee-free, high-quality early learning, with contracts awarded for four brand-new public early learning services in the region. 

Each public early learning service will be co-located with an existing public primary school, making drop-off and pick up easier for busy families and helping children transition into kindergarten with confidence.

The new services include preschools at Menindee Central School, Parkes East Public School and Morgan Street Public School, and an Early Years Transition Centre at Bourke Public School.

The Department of Education continues to work closely with the local community as each project progresses.

Shape Australia Pty Ltd will deliver the projects, with construction expected to begin later this year and doors opening by early 2027. Once open, the four sites will cater for up to 320 local children a week.

They will join the recently opened Gulyangarri Public Preschool in Liverpool – the first new public preschool built in NSW in almost 20 years. 

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record investment to rapidly expand the provision of public preschool in NSW, funded by our record investment in the 2024-25 Budget.

As the biggest expansion of public preschools in the state’s history, the NSW Government’s rollout of 100 more public preschools will provide access to high quality early learning for up to 9,000 children across NSW by 2027. Of the 100 new public preschools, 51 are metropolitan Sydney and 49 are in regional NSW, prioritised in areas of highest need based on a rigorous selection process. 

This historic investment is a major turnaround from the former Liberal National Government, who didn’t build a single public preschool in 12 years.  

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:  

“Access to preschool can be difficult for young families, particularly in regional areas, which is why we are delivering new public preschools across towns in the state’s far west in areas where they are needed most. 

“The Minns Labor Government, with the advocacy of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is committed to improving access to free, quality public preschool for our youngest learners because we know how crucial early learning is for a child’s development.  

“The former Liberal National government failed to deliver for young families in the regions and didn’t build a single new public preschool while in office. 

“The Minns Labor Government made this historic commitment to deliver the biggest expansion in public preschools in NSW’s history because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”

Minister for Western New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“Early learning is a vital first step in a child’s education and these new fee-free preschools will help our regional communities thrive. 

“With 49 new public preschools across regional NSW, this historic investment is a major turning point for regional families after years of neglect by the former Liberal National Government who failed to invest in public preschools.

“Families in our regions deserve access to high-quality early learning and I am proud to see the Minns Labor Government continuing to make significant investment in regional communities.”

Bourke Public School Executive Principal Margaret Gordon-Poole said:

“The start of construction for the new Early Years Transition Centre is an exciting step forward for the entire Bourke community.

“Having the Early Years Transition Centre on site will improve transition to school for our Kindergarten children, improve learning outcomes and offer convenience for parents.”

Menindee Central School Executive Principal Fiona Kelly said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our families across the whole Menindee community. 

“Our new service will provide greater access and support for our young children as they transition to Kindergarten.

“We are very excited to welcome our newest learners and support the beginning of their learning journey.”

Parkes East Public School Principal Michael Ostler said:

“We’re excited to be establishing a preschool at Parkes East Public School.

“This is an opportunity to welcome young learners into the heart of our school community, where we lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning within the strong and supportive environment of public education.”

Morgan Street Public School Principal Scott Sanford said:

“Our community is looking forward to having a public preschool on the same site as Morgan Street Public School.

“We are excited to welcome our youngest learners when the new preschool opens, as we understand the positive impact that quality early childhood education has on their learning.”