South Australian Music Awards

Mr COWDREY (Colton) (15:24): My question is to the Minister for Industry and Skills. Can the minister update the house on the state government's initiatives to promote the music industry here in South Australia?

The Hon. D.G. PISONI (Unley—Minister for Industry and Skills) (15:25): I thank the member for Colton. I know he is interested in live music. I understand he's a regular at the Bacchus Bar at Henley Square on a weekend after doorknocking. He pops in—

The SPEAKER: It's a good spot.

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: —to have a drink and expand his mind. Under the Department for Industry and Skills, the state government is ensuring that the music industry is a strong employer of South Australians and is supporting the development of many skills that are required both on and off the stage. Whether it is performing, writing, managing, editing or even being the gaffer, these are real jobs that require real skills.

On Thursday evening, I was pleased to represent the Premier at the Adelaide Town Hall at the South Australian Music Awards. I was very pleased that, despite the Premier's very hectic evening, he called in at the end of the evening and caught some of the last acts that were performing. The seven-piece rock outfit West Thebarton took out four South Australian Music Awards, winning Best Group, Best Song for Bible Camp and Best Release for their debut album 'Different Beings Being Different'. Other major category winners included MANE (Best Solo Artist); A.B. Original, a hip-hop duo, who won Best Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Artist Award for the single Blaccout; and Adrian Eagle, who won Best New Artist.

In the Industry Awards category, Clarity Records' A Day of Clarity won Best Music Event/Festival, while the Crown and Anchor claimed Best Music Venue. In other honours announced during the festival, the Zephyr Quartet was recognised with the UNESCO International Collaboration Award. I was very pleased to hand out that award myself. Tam Boakes won the Music SA Lifetime Achievement Award for her enormous contribution to the Adelaide music scene through her work at the live music venue Jive.

To top off the successful event, the Marshall Liberal government announced a significant funding boost to support aspiring contemporary musicians in 2019. We're providing $550,000 in additional funding to the live music fund, which supports new and unique music festivals and events that have the potential to grow into major tourist attractions and increase employment in the music industry. I'm very excited about the opportunities that this provides to young Australians. It's well known that I was an apprentice once, but it's not as well known that I also played lead guitar in a band, so I understand how important this industry is to so many young South Australians.

Additionally, we are providing support through funding of $374,500 which will benefit four organisations to enhance programs, supporting the careers of musicians and the further development of music in South Australia—

Mr PICTON: Point of order.

The SPEAKER: There's a point of order from the member for Kaurna. I'm anticipating that the point of order is that some of this information is publicly available.

Mr PICTON: All, yes.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I have the point of order; members will not interject. I will be—

The Hon. V.A. Chapman: Where is it publicly stated that he was in a band?

The SPEAKER: It depends on who you ask in Salisbury.

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: It's one of my best kept secrets.

The SPEAKER: Indeed. Minister, I ask that you please don't just quote what is in the public domain. I have the website, thank you, member for Kaurna; I will be watching intently. Minister.

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: Thank you, sir. The recipients of that funding include Music SA, Northern Sound System—I know that's of strong interest to the member for Elizabeth—Nexus, Creative Original Music Adelaide—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: The program funding will be delivered by the Music Development Office.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: The Contemporary Music (Organisations) Funding supports programs and activities that create—

Members interjecting:

Mr PICTON: Point of order, sir—

The SPEAKER: Minister, one moment. I do have the point of order. The fact that the minister has outlined four organisations that have received funding doesn't quite meet the threshold. I have the website, and I'm watching it. I will ensure that the minister also adds to the information that is publicly available, per the practice of the house.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Per the practice of the house, thank you. Minister.

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: They're philistines, sir; they don't want to hear it! The Contemporary Music (Organisations) Funding supports programs and activities that create pathways—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: —for professional musicians and industry entrepreneurs, from early support through to ongoing career development. The funding follows more than $100,000 awarded by the state government in August to assist skills development, events, touring, recording and marketing costs that are usually borne by South Australia's music professionals—

The SPEAKER: Minister, you are now quoting what is in the public domain, word for word, on that part of the website. I ask you to conclude your answer or add to what is in the public domain.

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: I have had a request to sing, sir, but I shan't do that.

The SPEAKER: Thank you, minister.