Bernard Fanning joins 150 Australian artists fighting for AI copyright protections. Photo: Facebook.
Bernard Fanning, Jack River and other Australian musicians are backing a new artist-led alliance as concerns grow over the use of creative work to train artificial intelligence.
Queensland musician Bernard Fanning is among the artists supporting the newly launched Artists Alliance of Australia (AAA), a national group pushing for performers to have a say in decisions affecting their work and livelihoods.
Founded by musicians Jack River (Holly Rankin) and KLP (Kristy Lee Peters), the alliance launched on October 29 with more than 150 artists involved. Other supporters include Paul Dempsey, Kate Ceberano, Troy Cassar-Daley, G Flip and Katie Noonan.
Who gets to use an artist’s music?
The group’s first priority is copyright protection. Musicians are concerned that changes to the rules around AI training could weaken their ability to control how their songs and recordings are used, and whether they are paid.
Australia’s federal government ruled out a broad text-and-data-mining copyright exception in 2025. Debate continues about licensing, enforcement and how AI businesses should obtain permission from creators. The alliance is advocating for artists to be involved in those decisions.
A voice for emerging artists, too
Although some of Australia’s best-known performers are backing the launch, the issue extends to independent musicians who already face recording expenses, touring costs and the challenge of making a living from original work.
The AAA says it will advocate on copyright, artist rights and government policy, giving musicians a direct voice in decisions usually negotiated between industry bodies, technology companies and lawmakers.
Artists can find information about the organisation at artistsaa.com.
