Fifty leading Australian musicians, including Tame Impala, The Wiggles, and Vance Joy, have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, pleading with him to protect their work from being used by artificial intelligence companies without consent or compensation. The letter, published on Friday, warns that unregulated AI threatens the livelihoods of artists and the future of Australian music.
Open Letter Demands Action
The letter, titled "Don't Kill Music," was coordinated by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and the Australian Music Industry Network. It calls on the government to introduce stronger copyright laws that require AI companies to obtain licenses before using copyrighted music for training their models. The artists argue that current laws are insufficient to prevent AI from replicating their styles and voices, which devalues their work and undermines the creative industry.
"We are not against technology," the letter states. "But we demand that our work is not used without our permission. AI companies are profiting from our creativity without paying us a cent. This is theft."
Impact on the Music Industry
The Australian music industry contributes over $1.5 billion annually to the economy and employs more than 40,000 people. The artists warn that unchecked AI could devastate these numbers. According to a 2025 report by the Australian Copyright Agency, 70% of musicians surveyed expressed concern that AI could replace their jobs within the next decade. The open letter highlights that AI-generated music is already flooding streaming platforms, making it harder for human artists to compete.
"If we don't act now, we risk losing an entire generation of musicians," said ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd. "We need a regulatory framework that ensures AI works for artists, not against them."
Global Context
Australia is not alone in grappling with AI's impact on creative industries. The European Union recently passed the AI Act, which includes provisions for transparency and copyright compliance. In the United States, the Copyright Office has launched an inquiry into AI-generated content. The letter urges Australia to follow suit and implement similar protections.
"We have a chance to lead the world in protecting artists' rights," the letter reads. "But we need the government to act now."
Government Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged the letter but has not yet committed to specific legislative changes. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said, "The government is aware of the concerns raised by the music industry and is consulting with stakeholders to ensure that Australia's copyright laws remain fit for purpose in the digital age." The government has previously announced a review of AI regulations, with a report expected later this year.
Meanwhile, the opposition has called for immediate action. Shadow Minister for Communications David Coleman said, "We cannot afford to let our creative industries be decimated by AI. The government must bring forward legislation this year."
Artists' Perspectives
Several artists have spoken out individually. Kevin Parker of Tame Impala said, "Music is personal. It comes from real human experience. AI can't replicate that, but it can mimic it and flood the market with cheap copies. That hurts everyone." The Wiggles' Anthony Field added, "We've spent decades creating music for children. We don't want AI to take that away from us."
The letter concludes with a call to action: "We urge you, Prime Minister, to stand with Australian artists. Don't kill music."
