Live Performance Award: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how the Live Performance Award ensures workers in the arts industry receive the correct minimum wages and working conditions.
The Live Performance Award establishes the legal minimum standards for pay and working conditions for people working within the live performance industry. This system is designed to provide a baseline of protection for those navigating the unpredictable nature of gig work in the arts.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for employees who work within the live performance sector. If your work involves performing or supporting live shows, you may fall under these protections. It is specifically intended to support those in the arts who rely on various gigs rather than a standard fixed-term contract.
What you get
Under this award, you are entitled to receive the minimum wage and specific working conditions tailored to the requirements of gig work. This includes legal protections regarding how you are paid and the environments in which you are expected to work. The award ensures that even in a gig-based economy, there is a set standard for pay and professional treatment.
What it costs you
There is no financial cost to accessing these legal protections. The primary investment required from you is the time and effort to maintain knowledge of your legal rights. Staying informed about your entitlements is essential to ensure you are being treated according to the law.
The catch to know
A common challenge for workers in this sector is that these rights are often ignored by small venues. Because the industry can be informal, you may find that you have to be the one to enforce your rights to ensure you are receiving the correct award rate. You cannot always assume that a venue is automatically following the rules.
How to apply
- Familiarize yourself with the specific award rates and conditions applicable to your specific role in the performance industry.
- Maintain thorough, accurate records of every hour you work and every payment you receive from various venues.
- Review your pay slips against the official standards to ensure your income matches your legal entitlements.
- If you find that your conditions are not being met, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for guidance on how to address the situation.