NSW Government to Adopt ‘Michael's Rule’ To Help Support Local Musicians
The Minns Labor Government is the first to introduce the rule Australia wide.
Image Tijs van Leur
The Minns Labor Government has revealed it plans to implement “Michael’s Rule” – a new governance encouraging international tours to include a local support artist on their bill.
Named after the late artist manager Michael McMartin, who managed the Hoodoo Gurus, the idea of “Michael’s Rule” was first presented at the 2024 AAM Awards in Sydney, receiving widespread approval from across the music industry.
The idea of “Michael’s Rule” has been around since the early ‘00s but has fallen by the wayside since the COVID-19 pandemic decimated the live music scene. There is hope that by reinstating the code, both venues and local artists can continue to thrive.
The NSW Government will trial “Michael’s Rule” for two years starting from today (May 5). The government plans to reduce venue hiring fees at several major venues (including Accor Stadium, CommBank Stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Sydney Cricket Ground, WIN Stadium and Entertainment Centre, and the Sydney Opera House) as long as shows at these venues choose at least one local act to perform.
To be eligible, the Aussie artist must be officially announced as the headliner’s support act and appear on the same stage as the international act.
Speaking about the introduction of “Michael’s Rule”, Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said: “Hoodoo Gurus got their first big break after they performed with Lou Reed in 1984. We want more Australian musicians to have that opportunity, performing on the biggest stages in NSW alongside the best international artists. This will help Aussie artists take an even bigger stage on international playlists, skewing the Spotify algorithm to mix in more Aussie tracks and put NSW up in lights as a home of great music.”
Maggie Collins, Executive Director of the AAM, added: “This is innovative leadership on a whole new level, and we cannot commend the Minns Government enough for developing this policy and turning Michael's Rule into a reality in the state of NSW. By this incentive being implemented, international artists now have 20,000 more reasons to add a local act to their lineup, and the result for Australian artists will be 10 times that in the long run. This is a win for audiences too, as they get exposed to their next favourite local artist (if the headliner they came for has anything to do with it).”
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Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham echoed the thoughts of the Premier: “There were just three Australian albums in the ARIA top 100 charts in 2024. This represents a crisis for Australian music. The rise of streaming is flooding our market with American music and creating a roadblock for NSW artists trying to break through. By adopting Michael’s Rule, we will get more local acts on to the big stage.
“While local shows are suffering, fans are still paying the big money for big international acts. Michael’s Rule will help our local artists capture that attention. We want Australian artists to benefit from international touring revenue so they can build their own careers and take our music to the world. Successful bands and artists at the top of the industry are an important part for the overall scene in NSW which supports 14,000 jobs and adds $5.5 billion to the state economy.”
Aussie artists have also come forward and shared their support for “Michael’s Rule”, with Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers commenting: “We are so happy to hear the news that the NSW Government are taking these steps to support Michael's Rule. We received the news at the airport on our way to Nashville to support Pearl Jam, so we are proof that having Australian artists on international tours at home really does impact careers. Hopefully, other states will join the call!”
Ball Park Music, who are supporting Oasis on their Australian tour, added: “There’s no denying the benefit of a big support slot. The opportunity to play your music live in front of a new audience is the best marketing we have as artists, the chance to showcase what we’re all about in the most real and authentic fashion.
“In our career to date, we’ve had - and continue to get - great support slots where we’ve seen a direct growth in our audience that often translates to a boost in our number of long-term fans, none of which would have discovered us without that exposure.
“Any initiative that can help amplify Australian talent, increase exposure, and aid in building a long-term and engaged audience is a massive step in the right direction.”
