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MEAA

@withmeaa.bsky.social
1.6K followers 45 following 538 posts

The union & industry advocate for Australia's creative professionals. Authorised by Erin Madeley, 245 Chalmers St, Redfern NSW 2016. Phone: 1300 65 65 13

PostsRepliesMedia
MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
In our recent survey of over 500 media workers, 100% of freelancers surveyed agree: Outlets receiving public funding should be required to commit to fair pay and conditions for workers, and upholding standards of quality, ethical journalism. Read the report: meaa.io/4zTLAH1
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Freelance journalists' rates of pay haven’t kept up with the cost of living and in fact are going backwards in real terms! Read the report: meaa.io/FreelancerRe... #StrongerTogether #NewsBargainingIncentive
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
MEAA members are calling on the government to implement a fair minimum rate for freelance media workers, with superannuation on top of fees through the News Bargaining Incentive. Read the report: meaa.io/FreelancerRe... #PayUp #NewsBargainingIncentive
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Anton Enus is not only one of Australia's most respected broadcasters, but also a proud and longstanding MEAA member, whose career reflected the values of integrity, professionalism and public-interest journalism. We wish him the all the best in retirement. meaa.io/4iAvbRz
meaa.io
‘A great honour’: Anton Enus signs off for the last time
After nearly three decades at SBS, we are saying good-bye and happy retirement to Anton Enus. Anton, on behalf of the World News team, and all our viewers, we thank you for your professionalism,…
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Freelance journalists are contracted as sole traders and paid per word or per piece, rather than per hour. They have no rights and protections under the Fair Work Act and Superannuation Act. Read the report and stand with freelancers fighting for a fair go: buff.ly/2FDX4CK #PayUp
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
MEDIA RELEASE: Media workers union highlights continued exploitation of freelance journalists by media outlets. meaa.io/4Af6WP7 #PayUp #FairGo4Freelancers
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Freelance journalists are a vital part of the media landscape, producing award winning journalism but are increasingly used to prop up media organisations while many struggle to pay their rent. Read the Pay Up for Freelancers Survey Report 2026: meaa.io/FreelanceRep... #PayUp
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
With no protections in place, AI is tearing through the Chinese screen industry. Actors are reportedly selling the rights to their image or voice for as little as $30. buff.ly/ODubQvh #PayUp #StrongerTogether
buff.ly
AI tears through China’s $25b entertainment darling
The country’s wildly popular microdrama industry is undergoing a dramatic upheaval thanks to artificial intelligence – with a very real human cost.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Thank you for standing up for journalism. Every signature on the MEAA member News Bargaining Incentive petition has helped build momentum for fair pay, stronger regional media, support for freelancers, and a more sustainable news industry for all Australians.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The challenge facing Australian theatre isn't a lack of audiences wanting to attend. Despite strong interest, the rising costs mean many productions struggle to break even. buff.ly/katgX6o #NationalCulturalPolicy #SaveLivePerformance
theconversation.com
Theatre audiences still show up. So why do so many shows fail to make money?
Economists say the theatre sector struggles from something called a ‘cost disease’. But what does that mean? And why is it so hard to fix?
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
One Nation staff have once again banned journalists from a press conference. Journalists from the Guardian Australia and the ABC were told to leave, while journalists from The Australian were allowed to stay.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Arts Centre Melbourne workers will go on strike this Friday in the fight for fair pay, secure working conditions and proper government funding for the sector. The action is expected to affect programming and venue operations, including Friday night's Macy Gray concert. meaa.io/3UJtirN
theage.com.au
Strike by Arts Centre workers threatens to disrupt Macy Gray concert
A strike planned by workers at Arts Centre Melbourne on Friday threatens to disrupt performances including a concert by Grammy Award-winning US singer Macy Gray.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Arts Centre Melbourne workers escalate campaign with 24-hour stop work action from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday in fight for fair pay, secure working conditions and proper government funding for the sector. Picket line: 3:30pm Friday Rally: 6pm Friday
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
MEAA members working at Arts Centre Melbourne are taking industrial action in their call for fair wages, secure jobs and sustainable funding for one of Australia's leading cultural institutions. We can't have world-class arts and entertainment built on low pay and insecure work. meaa.io/4ynheL8
hrleader.com.au
Stop-work performance delay will not be the last, unions warn
Delaying a recent performance by the Melbourne Orchestra amid ongoing enterprise bargaining negotiations, Arts Centre Melbourne workers are calling for employers to offer fair remuneration that…
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
We welcome the ABC's decision to pause its proposed changes to their First Nations division and seek further feedback from staff. First Nations workers must be represented, supported and valued across the entire ABC, not just a single area of the organisation. meaa.io/4gICsgI
lamestream.com.au
Exclusive: ABC Backflips on Indigenous TV Closure, 'Will Continue in Existing Divisions' For Now
ABC management has announced that its proposal to axe its stand-alone Indigenous TV department will go back to the drawing board.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Creators deserve to be paid fairly for the work they produce. We’re calling for stronger protections and fair pay for creative professionals. Help us get to 2,000 signatures meaa.io/FairPay #StrongerTogether #PayUp
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
MEAA member Michael Bachelard and special guests Emma Fulu (Equality Institute), Saffron Zomer (Australian Democracy Network) and Sherele Moody (Australian Femicide Watch) are presenting a Q&A Screening of SILENCED at Cinema Nova in Carlton on Sep 3rd.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
MEAA stands in solidarity with NTEU members at the University of Sydney who are striking on Wednesday 2 September in support of job security, quality of teaching and protection from AI mis-implementation for academic and professional staff. meaa.io/4y5awt8 #StrongerTogether
nsw.nteu.au
Enterprise Bargaining - USyd Branch
Through Enterprise Bargaining, staff at the University of Sydney, lead by NTEU members get a chance to negotiate for improvements to our workplace and working conditions.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Listen to James Steendam, MEAA Federal President for Musicians, discuss the impact that the replacement of musicians with recorded tracks has on the experience for audiences, and musicians livelihoods. #KeepMusicLive meaa.io/4zrbUry
abc.net.au
Tech is replacing live musicians in musical theatre - ABC listen
Some of Australia's biggest musical theatre shows, like The Lion King, are replacing musicians with music software. One of the newest and most sophisticated of these software programs is called…
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
We congratulate TWU members for winning minimum standards for food and grocery delivery workers that will see increases in pay and conditions for these vulnerable gig workers. Read more: meaa.io/3S97Sn3
abc.net.au
Here's what is changing about how food delivery workers are paid
New minimum standards for food delivery workers come into effect today. It will see about 250,000 workers access better pay, and personal accident insurance cover.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Our recent survey of over 500 media workers showed that: -61% of freelance journalists we surveyed have over 20 years’ experience -41% have over 30 years’ experience Yet more than a third of respondents are now being paid below award minimum rates. Read the report: meaa.io/4x5Zd43
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Walkley Award entries close at midnight on Mon 17 Aug - this is your last chance to enter the 71st Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism, recognising the best in Australian journalism across all media platforms. Enter now: meaa.io/4q5mkJq
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Congratulations to last night's Logie winners, including MEAA member Deborah Mailman, Bidjara and Māori (Ngāti Porou and Te Arawa) actor, for being the first Indigenous inductee into the Logies Hall of Fame and the sixth woman to receive the prestigious award. meaa.io/3SD1KDF
abc.net.au
Logies 2026 winners list
Sam Pang has won the Gold Logie for 2026, with ABC shows Goolagong and Dog Park the night's other big winners. Here is the complete list of 2026 Logies winners.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
For the first time in decades, Arts Centre Melbourne workers will be stopping work for 20 minutes from 7.10pm to 7.30pm, Thursday 13 August as they fight for fair pay and conditions. Sign the petition meaa.io/ArtsCentre #StrongerTogether
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
5 days left to get your application in - entries for the Walkley Awards are closing on Monday. Don't miss your chance to be recognised alongside the industry's best. Eligible work must have been published between 19 August 2025 and 17 August 2026. Entry is FREE for MEAA members meaa.io/4w9Vxgg
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
MEDIA RELEASE: The Quiet Disappearance of Live Music from Australian Stages meaa.io/4fVYtag #KeepMusicLive
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
“I’m a MEAA member because I’m a journalist and the alliance advocates for journalists. It’s not just about pay rates, it’s about independence, representation and freedom of speech. The content we create – we own that – and we’re entitled to be rewarded for it." meaa.io/PayUp #PayUp
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Have you submitted your Walkley entry yet? With only two weeks to go until entries close, now is the time to put your best work forward for the 71st Walkley Awards. Apply now meaa.io/4q5mkJq #Walkleys
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
MEAA, CPSU and ETU members at Arts Centre Melbourne have voted overwhelmingly to endorse protected industrial action, starting next week, with over 95% of voters saying YES to industrial action. #StrongerTogether
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Australia's live performance industry is in crisis. Production cancellations are leaving performers, musicians, crew, technicians and creative workers without work, and audiences and communities across Australia are also losing out. Sign the letter to government: meaa.io/SaveLivePerf...
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
MEAA extends its thanks to outgoing ACTU Secretary Sally McManus and President Michele O'Neil. Their leadership has helped secure rights and conditions for Australian workers, and their unwavering support for creative and media workers ensures MEAA members' voices are heard.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
MEAA member, Nicole da Silva - stage, film and television actor - shares why it's so important for original creators to be protected from the threat of AI stealing their work without compensation. Join Nicole in supporting our Pay Up campaign: meaa.io/4vK9aCx #PayUp #StrongerTogether
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
We're calling for urgent, coordinated federal government intervention, in the form of tax concessions for production companies, increased government funding and “cultural passes” to increase audience access to arts and culture in Australia. Read more: meaa.io/4gU9U4y
theguardian.com
Musical theatre is in crisis, and not just in Australia – but the success of this small gem offers hope
Cancellations for major productions including Beetlejuice and Waitress have cast a pall over the industry. Yet it’s not all doom and gloom
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
We need stronger protections for original creators that give them control over how their work, identity and reputation are used - and they should be paid for it. Read more: meaa.io/3TdjjKB #PayUp #StrongerTogether
meaa.io
Artists need copyright plus in the age of AI
Copyright law has long served owners and technology companies more effectively than creators. AI licensing now makes the case for stronger protection for artists.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
MEAA stands with performance venue Divine Playhouse, Heaps Gay Events and the workers impacted by the venue's closure. For nearly a century, this building has been a cultural and performance space, available to presenters and artists - particularly those from diverse communities.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Have you signed our open letter calling on government to do more to save live performance? Join the 5,000+ signatures calling for urgent action as the live performance crisis in Australia deepens. Read more: www.artshub.com.au
artshub.com.au
'Breaking point': MEAA demands urgent action as live performance crisis deepens
As more major musicals are cancelled, the entertainment and arts union is urging governments to back industry reform before more jobs are lost.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Congratulations to SBS journalist Kerrin Thomas, winner of the Feature, Documentary or Current Affairs award at the 2026 Tas Media Awards. Kerrin's SBS World News feature on the restoration and history of Wybalenna was praised by judges for its sensitivity, compassion and high-quality storytelling.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
MEAA stands with Nine Publishing members affected by today’s announcement that 30 editorial roles will be cut across The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAToday. Read more: meaa.io/4frrhXV
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Since 1 July 2026, superannuation must be paid at the same time as wages, salaries or fees are paid. For many musicians and other creative workers, this means super will be paid directly into your nominated super fund rather than being included in your payment. meaa.io/4fqlUZa
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Watch this NIDA interview with Fiona Donovan about her training, career and what inspires her. Donovan is a designer that has worked across Australia on outstanding Australian productions including the Correspondent with Richard Roxburgh.
meaa.io
Production Designer Fiona Donovan
Designer Fiona Donovan has worked across outstanding Australian productions including, 'The Twelve', 'Population: 11' and recently 'The Correspondent' starring fellow alum, Richard Roxburgh. Now the…
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Read the letter sent by MEAA to Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, and Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, seeking an apology from Minister Ellis for a social media post where Ellis targeted a journalist for asking a question he didn’t like. meaa.io/4w7b553
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
MEAA welcomes the Prime Minister's commitment to ensuring creative and media workers have ownership and control of their work in the age of AI, and are able to share in the value it creates. Read more: meaa.io/4vriKKF #PayUp #NationalCulturalPolicy #StrongerTogether
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
ABC is rolling out new AI tools to staff and trialling the use of AI to help write digital news articles based on radio bulletins. ABC management needs to work closely with MEAA members on its rollout to ensure AI doesn't compromise job security and audience trust. meaa.io/4fBvae4
abc.net.au
Experts and union warn about ABC's AI use
Experts and the journalists’ union have welcomed the ABC’s plans to use artificial intelligence responsibly, but warned misuse could damage trust in the public broadcaster.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Australia’s Live Performance Industry in Crisis and we are calling for action. The the next National Cultural Policy must deliver a sustainable future for workers in the industry – as well as improved access for audiences. Read more: meaa.io/3Rigya2 #SaveLivePerformance
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Vale Sam Neill, legendary actor whose unrivalled talent was only matched by his humility. Neil was a MEAA member for almost half a century and awarded the Equity NZ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Our condolences to his friends and family. meaa.io/4fcYm9V
abc.net.au
Breaking: Actor Sam Neill dies aged 78
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who starred in My Brilliant Career and Jurassic Park, has died aged 78.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Emergency Live Performance Town Hall Meeting – online 3PM AEST this Monday 13 July All live theatre creative workers are invited to join us as we seek endorsement of a Live Performance Action Plan to address an industry in crisis. meaa.io/4gpPSyu
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Following the cancellation of multiple shows across Australia, we are at a critical time for live performance here in Australia. #PayUp #NationalCulturalPolicy meaa.io/4vjDt2P
who.com.au
EXCLUSIVE: The AFL gets a massive tax exemption. Why doesn’t live theatre?
As Australia experiences the cancellation of major theatre productions, industry professionals warn against the flow-on effects.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Journalists, performers, technicians, producers, crew and artists deserve wage increases that allow them to build secure futures. Our next National Cultural Policy must ensure a sustainable future for our workers and industry. #NationalCulturalPolicy Learn more: meaa.io/NCP
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
MEAA welcomes the Government's clear commitment to not watering down copyright law in the age of AI. The principle remains clear: if big tech companies use copyrighted content to train and commercialise their AI systems, they must pay the original creators for that use. #PayUp buff.ly/fsS0xDW
smh.com.au
Write us a cheque: Australian authors, musicians want AI forced to pay for using their work
Senator David Pocock has accused the government of entertaining the idea of weakening copyright laws for AI giants.
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MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Big tech companies like Google and Facebook profit from news content produced by journalists, without payment. Pictured: Journalists from ABC Brisbane and Toowoomba, and the Toowoomba Chronicle showing their support
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