Australian Artists Decry Political Music Use

Musicians are challenging the unauthorised use of their songs at political events and rallies.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Rock

Australian Artists Decry Political Music Use

Live Poll

Should political parties be allowed to use copyrighted music without the artist's permission?

Australian musicians are expressing frustration over political parties and groups using their songs without permission at events. These artists argue that such usage creates a false impression of endorsement for political ideologies.

Why it matters

Artists seek to protect their brand and reputation by objecting to the association of their music with political agendas. They continue to push for stronger enforcement of copyright protections to prevent future unauthorised use.

Clive Palmer paid $1.5 million in damages for using the song We're Not Gonna Take It in 2019. This remains a notable financial figure in Australian copyright infringement cases.

The players

Ross Wilson

He is an iconic Australian musician and songwriter who objected to the use of his hit song Eagle Rock at a One Nation event in October 2026.

Pauline Hanson

She is an Australian Senator and the leader of the One Nation political party who was noted for using copyrighted music at a rally in January 2026.

Clive Palmer

He is a wealthy businessman and political figure who was required to pay significant damages in 2019 for the unauthorised use of a musical work.

APRA

The Australasian Performing Right Association is an organisation that collects and distributes royalties and assists artists in managing copyright issues.

The details

Artists often issue cease and desist letters or contact digital platforms through organisations like APRA to address the unauthorised use of their work. High-profile incidents include the use of I Am Australian at a Brisbane conference in October 2026 and the use of What's My Scene by Senator Pauline Hanson at an anti-immigration rally.

1998: One Nation attempted to use the song I Am Australian.
2000: Moral rights were introduced to the Copyright Act.
2019: Clive Palmer used a Twisted Sister song in an election campaign.
2025: The National Socialist Network used the song Sounds of Then in a recruitment video.
26 January 2026: Senator Pauline Hanson used the song What's My Scene at a rally.

Industry Dynamics

These disputes reflect an ongoing tension between creators and political organisations within the framework of the Australian Copyright Act. Artists are increasingly testing the boundaries of these legal protections as digital platforms facilitate the spread of unauthorised content.

For the average consumer, these disputes affect how and where they may encounter their favourite artists' work online or in public. Future enforcement could result in the removal of specific videos or event recordings from digital platforms.

The takeaway

Artists are increasingly leveraging public awareness to discourage political groups from using their music without explicit consent. Fans can expect continued scrutiny of political event recordings as performers seek to distance their work from conflicting ideologies.