The Newcastle Hunter Jazz Club has cancelled its 37th annual jazz festival after new ATO superannuation guidance left it unable to guarantee compliance for 334 musicians across 52 bands in a matter of days. Club president Murray explains the compliance window, the legal risk of bands performing without super details on file, and why a volunteer-run club couldn’t meet it. A freedom of information request obtained by Michael West Media found the ATO consulted 161 people and organisations on the new rules, and not one came from the music industry. Musicians have technically been classified as employees under superannuation law since 1992, but the guidance offers no clarity for performers over 67 without an active super fund.
Support us ❤️ https://www.patreon.com/thewestreport
Our Journalism 📰 https://michaelwest.com.au
Merch 👕 https://lonelykidsclub.com/collections/michael-west
Linktree 🌐 https://linktr.ee/michaelwestmedia.com.au
Articles Mentioned
Three decades unpaid. 82% of musicians have never seen a cent of their super
Three decades unpaid. 82% of musicians have never seen a cent of their super
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:49 Why The Festival Was Cancelled
02:22 The Compliance Risk
03:21 Festival By The Numbers
03:58 Impact On Musicians
04:29 A Legal Loophole
05:50 Canary In The Coal Mine
06:31 A Volunteer Committee
08:00 Musicians Over 67
08:41 Who The ATO Consulted
09:44 Employees Since 1992
10:50 What Happens Next
Josh is a professional musician and cameraman who is now working with Michael West Media to develop The West Report and other visual content across major social media channels
