The Media Alliance is working with members on the way forward for freelancers and has published a bulletin for members. Recently we have convinced the ACCC that it was in the best interests of the public, businesses and freelancers that freelancers be exempt from anti-competition penalties.

The Alliance demonstrated that as a general rule contracts were standard anyway and a collective approach to their negotiation would be an exercise that encouraged efficiency in the market.In short, freelancers can now get together and talk about setting prices or standards for copyright, moral rights or other contract terms. The ACCC decision does not give freelancers any employee rights. Freelancers are still businesses operating in a freelance media marketplace.You can find the bulletin here.

Actors' Equity has called on both the Labor and Liberal Parties to deliver Arts policies in the lead up to the August 21 Federal Election.

“There is a great opportunity for both parties to take a leadership role in the arts industry right now, to step up and deliver a true vision with concrete policies to develop the Australian arts industry in the 21st century.” said Patrica Amphlett, Federal President of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance.

“There is much work to be done to improve the working lives of Australian performers,” said Equity Director Simon Whipp. “First and foremost a new Australian Government needs to implement social security and tax system reforms that will increase productivity and innovation creative sector and improve the sustainability of performer careers. Realising these changes would be a giant step forward in improving the everyday lives and boosting career opportunities for Australian performers.”

The Alliance has formally contacted the deputy leader of the opposition Julie Bishop regarding comments attributed to her about Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. The ABC reports that during a National Press Club debate last week Ms Bishop said the Coalition would consider restricting Mr Assange's travel if in government, which we would consider an assault on press freedom. The ABC report is here You can view our letter to Julie Bishop here We have also contacted Foreign Affairs minister Stephen Smith. See here.

A new National Stunt Grading Procedure has been finalised, with 68 per cent voting in favour of the changes. The new Procedure includes compulsory six month stunt training for SAP applicants, fire as a compulsory skill for stunt performers, the role of assistant stunt coordinator is now a formal grading level and stunt coordinators now must attain a certificate four in training and assessment, it is now possible for a stunt coordinator to be graded after 200 hundred days as an assistant stunt coordinator.
 

It’s been 12 months since SPAA ripped up the Equity/SPAA Offshore TV Agreement, which sets actors’ pay and conditions when working on commercials shot in Australia for offshore markets. Since the agreement was terminated, SPAA have refused to negotiate a new agreement. However, performers have stood together and only accepted work in line Equity conditions. Send SPAA a friendly reminder that it’s time to sit down, talk and negotiate a new agreement. Choose from one of our specially commissioned e-cards and let SPAA know we're here for them. Click read more to choose your card.

“What’s the Story?” will be the question on everyone’s lips at this week’s Walkley Media Conference in Sydney. Late additions include Peter FitzSimons, Richard Glover and Charlotte Wood. Get a taste of what’s in store on Mumbrella . You can still register up until Monday night at www.walkleyconference.com.au, and of course join the discussion with the #walkleys hashtag on Twitter.

Join entertainment marketing specialist Edweana Wenkart to learn how to build your brand (inc what you need for your own personal media and PR kit) at the NSW Equity workshop on Monday August 23, from 6pm to 8pm at Equity's Sydney office.

The Alliance has called on WA's Barnett Government to get serious about effective media shield laws after the announcement of “reforms” that still leave journalists exposed to three years’ jail and $60,000 fines for doing their jobs properly. WA Attorney-General Christian Porter said the State Government would legislate to protect media workers who obtain information from confidential sources.