Dear Industry Professionals and Supporters, 

I invite you to support essential reforms to protect fair pay and rights for creative professionals in Australia. This petition addresses key issues affecting freelancers and artists, proposing changes in the following areas:

ABN Misuse & Worker Classification:
Develop explicit criteria that accurately distinguish independent contractors from employees—with specific considerations for creative professionals—to ensure accurate classification and appropriate entitlements.

Closing Loopholes in Non-Union Pay:
Require companies in commercial projects (such as advertising) to adhere to industry awards.

Hold larger businesses accountable for paying non-union rates (with exceptions for small businesses and non-profits).

Introduce mandatory minimum buyout rates to ensure fair compensation.

Strengthening National Employment Standards (NES):                                        Implement mandatory rest break criteria and minimum shift turnaround times to safeguard workers' health and well-being.

These reforms will close legal loopholes that allow companies to sidestep fair pay obligations, ensuring all workers—especially in the arts and gig economy—receive the rights and protections they deserve.

For full details,  download the proposal here:[ PDF ] 

Your support is vital in creating a fair and sustainable future for creative professionals. Together, we can push for policies that uphold the rights of those who enrich our cultural landscape.

Thank you for standing with us.

Kind regards,
Daniel McBurnie (he/him)

Additional reading material: Article: ArtsHub