More than half of people working in Australia’s contemporary music industry have experienced some form of workplace sexual harassment and sexual harm in their career.
According to findings from an independent review examining the prevalence of sexual harm in the industry, 72 per cent of women have reported experiencing some sort of workplace sexual harassment and harm.
The report found that almost three quarters of perpetrators of sexual harassment were men.
Over 1,200 people from across the contemporary music industry were interviewed to examine the prevalence of sexual harm, sexual harassment and systemic discrimination in the industry.
The review, commissioned by the Australian contemporary music industry, found that 45 per cent of sexual harassment occurred at music venues, while over one fifth occurred in the office.
Seventy-six per cent of those interviewed said they experienced bullying at some point in their career, with women being the likelier targets.
Yet formal reporting of incidents remains very low. Just 3 per cent of survey participants said they made a formal complaint for sexual harassment, while 6 per cent said they made a formal complaint when they encountered bullying in the past five years.
Many said they didn’t report the misconduct because they didn’t think the perpetrators would be made accountable for their actions.
Alexandra Shehadie, who led the review, said the review is a positive step towards identifying the areas of the music industry that need to change.
“The task now is to follow through with implementing the recommendations right across the industry,” she said. “Australia has a vibrant, dynamic and creative music industry. It is important to ensure that it is also inclusive, respectful and safe so that all who work in it are free from harm and discrimination, and can thrive.”
Emily Collins, Managing Director MusicNSW, believes that the review has emphasised the difficulties of working in the music industry.
“We want to acknowledge the courage of those victim survivors and everyone who shared their stories as part of this review,” she said.
“Bringing this information to light is a critical first step in understanding not only the extent of harm that has occurred but also setting out a clear path for the music industry to improve and strengthen its workplace culture for everyone.”
Collins was one of seven women in the Temporary Working Group, a volunteer team of independent experts and facilitators who worked together to establish and deliver a national consultation strategy.
Another member, Julia Robinson, Managing Director Australian Festivals Association, wants the focus to be on leaders to drive change.
“Leaders in the music industry have a collective responsibility to use their influence to drive widespread change and create a safe and inclusive workplace built on respect,” Robinson said.
Brisbane musician and artist, Deena Lynch, who has publicly spoken about being sexually assaulted in the past, hopes the latest review will lead to material changes.
“It has taken a lot of sacrifice and energy from survivors to establish awareness but it can’t stop there,” she said. “Awareness is just a first step, there is much more work to be done to address specific issues, bring about a cultural shift and begin to reform.”
“We now require commitment to change and action. I hope that with the Music Industry Review report, industry leaders will commit to and implement the recommendations to begin the process of creating safe arts workplaces.”
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