Young people have taken their passion for music straight to the halls of power in Parliament House with a landmark new roadmap.
Thirty young Australians aged 16 to 25 travelled to Canberra on 26 March to launch the National Plan for Young Australians and Music at Parliament House; a 10-year roadmap built by and for young people, calling on governments to treat music as a public necessity rather than an afterthought.
Led by The Push — Australia’s leading youth music charity — and co-designed alongside artists, educators, industry figures and government, the plan calls for a nationally coordinated approach to music access. At its core is a simple argument: if Australia builds consistent pathways in sport, it should do the same for music.
Research conducted by The Push and YouGov found that 72% of young people believe access to live music is essential for staying connected, particularly as social media reform continues to reshape how young Australians find community and culture online.
The Push at Parliament House
- Where: Parliament House, Canberra
- When: 26 March
- Full report: here
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Alongside the plan, The Push has submitted a $13.4 million budget request to the Australian government to continue delivering all-ages live music experiences, school tours and career pathways for more than 160,000 young Australians.
With a 40-year history of delivering contemporary all-ages music programs across Victoria, The Push expanded nationally in 2023 with a clear mission: ensuring all young Australians; regardless of postcode or privilege, have equal opportunity to connect meaningfully with music.
The organisation’s work is rooted in the understanding that access to music builds confidence and identity, and fosters genuine community.
Arts Minister Tony Burke backed the initiative, noting that a young person’s age, background or postcode shouldn’t determine their ability to participate in music.
Former Push mentee Marcke De Vera echoed the sentiment, pointing out that awareness of the music industry is often out of reach for young people without existing connections to creative circles — and that the plan goes beyond inspiration, offering real-world direction and experience.
For young Australians already making their way in music, the plan is a signal that their industry is worth investing in at a national level. For those yet to find their footing, it could be the infrastructure that changes everything.
For more information, head here.
