Labor Government Promotes Local Music

by lkatulka on September 15th, 2007

Peter Garrett has announced the Labor government will commit $2.4 million over the next four years to the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP). As if you needed another reason to oust John Howard, right?

The organisation plays a key part in promoting Australian music by delivering local content to 350 community radio stations across the country.

“I could see that [continued funding for AMRAP] would be a great boon to Aussie music and to young songwriters and bands, and it seemed really dumb for the funding to just end, so we’re going to keep it going,” Peter Garrett said yesterday.

The former Midnight Oil frontman, now state MP announced the news on Sydney’s FBi radio. The station plays 50% Australian music, much more than your average commercial station, and half of that comes from local Sydney talent. It was responsible for introducing audiences to The Vines, Wolfmother, Expatriate, The Grates, and more.

If you’re interested in the full Peter Garrett interview, you can hear the podcast at FBi Radio’s website.

Image source: Peter Garrett photo downloads page