MEAA progresses 2 arts sector campaigns

The entertainment and arts representative union has sought government support to address sustained, devastating impacts on employment and output from the sectors.

Further to ongoing coverage of the risks of AI copyright infringement, recorded scores favoured over live performances, and a shrinking arts and media sector, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) has apparently secured a governmental endorsement and a policy amendment.

In a statement released on 7 August, the union noted that several principles from its “Pay Up” campaign were endorsed at the Labor Party’s recent National Conference in Adelaide.

This included the strongest possible protections for Australian arts and media, with the resolution noting: “Australian writers, musicians, artists, performers, creative workers and journalists play an intrinsic role in supporting the good functioning of Australian society and must retain ownership and control of their work, including control of its price and value.”

“No company should use Australian books, music, art or news to build or train AI without the artist’s control.”

Australian data sovereignty, including Indigenous data sovereignty, and government procurement to support the technology’s appropriate development and deployment was also reportedly supported.

Further, a resolution regarding the training of AI said: “Workers and creators are the root of Australia’s vibrant culture and should have a say in how benefits from AI training and distributed and a seat at the table where deals are done.”

Finally, Labor endorsed the principle of paid work and the right to created value, with the relevant resolution reading: “Labor recognises that women and low-paid workers face some of the greatest risks from AI-driven workplace change and the consequences of automation.”

“Labor will consider ways to ensure that the most at-risk groups are prepared and have opportunities to benefit from technological change.”

Further, the union included the following wording as part of an amendment to the Labor Party’s cultural policy.

This included: “Creative expression and cultural participation is not a luxury but a right – essential for human dignity, meaning-making, connection and enrichment beyond the demands of work.”

“Labor believes that secure, well-paid jobs are the foundation of a healthy and successful arts and cultural sector. Labor recognises the integral role that local, state and federal governments play in funding these sectors.

“Labor will work to ensure that the arts and cultural sectors are appropriately funded in order to sustain good, secure jobs.”

The news comes on the back of ongoing campaigns on both aforementioned fronts.

In early May, the union launched the next phase of its “Pay Up” campaign, which sought to ensure creatives were paid fairly whenever their work was broadcast, streamed, or communicated publicly, including any information AI retains from it.

Further, the MEAA strongly lobbied for reform of the federal government’s 2023 National Cultural Policy – titled “Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place”, which recently opened for public consultation.

In its June 2026 submission, MEAA chief executive Erin Madeley said: “The government’s current Revive policy sets out welcome reforms to Australia’s cultural policy, but a more ambitious approach is needed.”

“Culture is an essential component of Australian identity. Artists deserve a living income, and every Australian deserves access to enriching cultural experiences and a chance to participate in the arts.”

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