As 2025 draws to a close, AMPAL reflected on the year that was through our 24-day Advent Calendar countdown - a daily celebration of the people, moments and milestones shaping Australasian music publishing.
View the AMPAL Advent Calendar here.
Together, these highlights tell a compelling story of a sector that is global, united, resilient and future-focused.
Flying the Flag for Australasian Music
Throughout the year, AMPAL members and management represented Australasian music publishing on the world stage - from BIGSOUND, SXSW Sydney and international conferences to global industry panels and policy forums.
With the support of Music Australia’s International Conference Contribution (MAICC) program, this year 21 professionals from 18 member companies expanded their networks and took Australian music further than ever before.
Advocacy That Delivers
2025 was a defining year for copyright advocacy. AMPAL played a key role in the music industry’s united push against a proposed Text and Data Mining exception, resulting in the Government rejecting changes that would have undermined creators’ rights in the age of AI.
It was a clear reminder of the power of a collective voice and the importance of standing firm for licensing, not exceptions.
Growing and Strengthening Our Community
We were proud to welcome nine new members to the AMPAL family this year, strengthening our diverse and vibrant community of music publishers across Australasia.
Meaningful connection remained at the heart of everything we did - from member mixers and webinars to packed music publishing sessions at BIGSOUND, industry events and face-to-face engagement across Australia and New Zealand.
Celebrating People, Legacy and Leadership
2025 was also a year of reflection.
We honoured the life and legacy of Matthew Capper, a much-loved AMPAL Chair and tireless champion of music publishing, and acknowledged the songwriters and composers represented by our members who we lost this year.
We also celebrated extraordinary careers, including Lynne Small’s 29 years of leadership, and recognised the global influence of our community, with AMPAL members featured in the Billboard Global Power Players and themusic Power 50.
Championing Songwriters and the Industry Ecosystem
From sponsoring major songwriting competitions to supporting Support Act, AusMusic Month, #Ausify, AusMusic T-Shirt Day and landmark initiatives like Music Australia’s The Bass Line report, AMPAL continued to advocate for the cultural and economic value of music publishing - a $470m sector generating $95m in export revenue.
Looking Ahead
As we move toward AMPAL’s 70th anniversary in 2026, the year that was 2025 reinforces what lies ahead.
AMPAL is:
More united,
More visible,
More globally connected, and
More committed than ever to protecting and promoting Australasian music publishers and the songwriters they represent
Thank you to our Board, members, partners and friends for being part of an extraordinary year.
Here’s to honouring our past and building the future of Australasian music publishing together in 2026.