Good Neighbour

The World vs AI - has Australia got it right? What about the performers, are they priced into the system?

As the world wakes up, Australia sets a precedent in AI, drawing the line between innovation and consent. As the rest of the world wakes up today, they’re waking up to a potential precedent. Australia has just become one of the first countries to firmly reject a copyright exception for AI training, a move that elevates creator consent to a matter of law.

Good Neighbour had the pleasure this week of hosting friends from some of the top legal firms, to discuss the changes and perplexities of neighbouring rights.

Working hard towards a fairer world for musicians. VMDO Media Arts Lawyers UNIFIED Music Group Andrew Fuller Commercial & Entertainment Law - Clearview Legal Counsel P/L

We’re proud to share that our very own Susan Cotchin will be VMDO Expert in Residence this June, leading sessions on something close to our hearts: neighbouring rights.

This session is all about helping performers and their teams understand how these rights work, what’s changing across Australia and NZ, and how they connect to long-term, generational income.

Susan will also unpack the global neighbouring rights landscape — where it’s at, where it’s headed, and what artists everywhere need to know.

Royalties Recovered: Neighbouring Rights Are Back for ANZ Performers

Many musicians are unaware of neighbouring rights and the potential income stream that exists through these royalties. Neighbouring rights are universally recognised, but legislation varies from country to country. In Australia, the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) collects royalties from neighbouring rights.

Recently, the United Kingdom lifted a 12-year freeze that now allows Australian performers to receive payments when their recordings are used on radio, TV and in public spaces.

As part of the Experts in Residence program, Susan Cotchin from Good Neighbour will offer limited free 1:1 one-hour sessions about neighbouring rights. Susan is a global authority on neighbouring rights. During the sessions she will provide advice and explain the pathways for performers to receive royalty payments.

Sessions are available to Victorian music professionals and will be relevant for lawyers and managers working to protect and maximise international income for their clients.

Complete the EOI form here: https://www.vmdo.com.au/news/experts-in-residence-susan-cotchin

Key dates:
👉 Wed 14 May 2025 - EOI open
👉 Fri 30 May 2025 - EOI closes
👉 June 2025 - Experts in Residence sessions

Congratulations on your star Kylie and to your hard working team. Three & a half decades from Kylie's first performance at the arena, she has paved the way for many female artists to come! We are so honoured to be a small part of this journey with you.
Kylie Minogue

Hometown honour for Kylie after record-breaking concert success Global pop sensation Kylie Minogue has been honoured with a star on the forecourt of Rod Laver Arena to commemorate 35 years of concerts at the Melbourne Park precinct.