The Australian music industry launches review into allegations of sexual harm, harassment and toxic workplaces

High-powered consultants Alexandra Shehadie and Sam Turner have been engaged to conduct the Music Industry Review into sexual harm, harassment and discrimination.

The Australian music industry has engaged two high-powered consultants behind cultural reviews of the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police and Qantas to investigate allegations of sexual harassment, assault and toxic workplace practices throughout the industry.

Alexandra Shehadie and Sam Turner will conduct a six-month review and deliver recommendations in June next year after a raft of allegations of “sexual harm, sexual harassment, and systemic discrimination” emerged online and in the media this year.

Artist advocate Jaguar Jonze and the anonymous Beneath The Glass Ceiling social media page have been at the forefront of shining a light on the dark underbelly of the industry after decades of silence.

The disturbing allegations have painted sections of the industry as drink and drug-fuelled workplaces where incidences of sexual assault, harassment in the workplace and discrimination against women have been silenced with nondisclosure agreements and threats to undermine future career prospects.

Jaguar Jonze has been a fierce advocate for change in the Australian music industry. Picture: supplied

Sony headquarters in Sydney.

A group of concerned industry representatives in May led to the formation of a Temporary Working Group of volunteers to engage the consultants to conduct the historic review.

The review will include artists, artist management, agents, crew, venues, production, labels, publishing, promoters, studios, trade and peak organisations, and freelancers and creatives.

“It is time to hear the voices of our most vulnerable members of our music industry,” a statement announcing the review said.

“It is only through this survivor-centric approach can we understand the problems that allow for systemic abuse and sexual harassment to occur in our industry.

“It is not about blame but about how we can come together to grow into a safe industry we all deserve to work in.”

The review launch comes as major labels including Sony Music and Universal Music continue their internal investigations into allegations of inappropriate behaviour.