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Australian politicians raise concerns about sexual misconduct in the music industry
By Andy Malt | Published on Friday 22 December 2017
The Australian Recording Industry Association has been contacted by politicians in the country, concerned about reports of sexual misconduct in the music business.
In a letter to the trade body, Minister For Jobs And Innovation Michaelia Cash and Minister For Communications And The Arts Mitch Fifield both expressed concern over “recent allegations of misconduct, harassment and assault in the media, entertainment and arts industries”. In its own letter to its members – obtained by The Music Network – ARIA said that the politicians had been seeking assurances that “every effort is being made by ARIA members to ensure safe workplace cultures with robust policies and procedures to deal with instances of misconduct and harassment”.
Although it’s not stated exactly what prompted the MPs to get in touch with ARIA, the letter follows the recent launch of the #meNOmore campaign. Backed by over 300 women working in the Australian music business, the campaign calls for change to industry’s corporate culture, which is seen as tolerating sexual harassment and abuse.
In its letter to members, ARIA said: “ARIA is committed to ensuring that our working environment is safe for everyone, and will work with its stakeholders and the broader music community to promote a music industry that is safe, diverse and non-discriminatory”.
Adding that it had an “expectation that the majority of its members will already have well established procedures and policies in place”, it noted various resources highlighted by the two ministers that “may be useful for a review of existing policies and practices, or their development”.
ARIA also offered further information and assistance to member organisations in relation to sexual harassment and assault, although it was not clear about what that would entail.
