Eurovision hopeful Jaguar Jonze applauds music industry review to stop sexual harassment

Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame have been namechecked among Jaguar Jonze’s allies in her campaign for a review into sex harassment in the music industry.

Nearly three years after singer Jaguar Jonze began lobbying for a review of the Australian music industry to stop sexual harassment and systemic discrimination, her hard work is finally paying off.

The Little Fires singer, born Deena Lynch, began advocating for change in 2019 and the NSW Parliament recently passed a motion in support of the Music Industry Review.

Jaguar Jonze has been advocating for a review of sexual harassment in the music industry for years. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“I’ve been fighting for so long and advocating for so long and working with some incredible women and we’ve been able to commission a music industry review and this review has opened now for participation as of last week,” Jonze said.

“We’re inviting everyone to come share their story to participate in focus groups, one-on-one interviews, written email submissions and surveys that are all confidential so that we can finally as an industry listen and learn about what the issues actually are and then begin to reform together.

“The music industry is a very unique monster … There is no HR department, there is no body that holds up accountability and consequences.”

The 30-year-old Brisbane artist hopes that her own story will encourage others to come forward.

Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins and child sexual abuse survivor Grace Tame have extended support to Jonze. Picture: NCA Newswire/Gary Ramage

“Even though it is difficult fighting for this, I’m also connecting with other women who are empowering me to continue on my fight,” she said.

“People like Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins I’m personally in contact with too and Lisa Wilkinson … they’re just amazing people, doesn’t even have to be household names just everyday people are keeping me strong as well so I’m just as grateful on the other end.

“I think the advocating has created enough momentum that the industry is finally committing to this process but we need to listen to then figure out the next steps.”

Jaguar Jonze is competing to be Australia’s 2022 Eurovision contestant. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Jonze, who is Taiwanese-Australian, will compete in Eurovision – Australia Decides on the Gold Coast beginning Friday.

“At the start of the pandemic I was one of the first people to catch Covid and I was in hospital for five weeks,” she said.

“Doctors weren’t sure if I was able to come back to music because I was showing lung fibrosis and I wasn’t able to use my voice in the same way.

“I am honoured and bubbling with excitement to be performing.”