Spearheaded by WAM’s  Industry Development Officer Claire Hodgson and the WAM Diversity Committee, Fair Play WA stemmed from a series of forums and working groups held in mid 2017 and early 2018 with the aim of progressing gender equity within the WA music sector. The Fair Play WA report emerged to provide additional awareness and research into gender discrimination and experiences of Industry practitioners, musicians and music consumers engaged with the community across the state.

The first of its kind in WA, the Fair Play WA report presents a comprehensive examination of the gendered experience of women working in and engaging with the WA music sector, with eleven recommendations to encourage greater gender equality for female, trans and non-binary music practitioners. The report, authored by music research consultant Dr Christina Ballico (Head of Department, Master of Creative Industries, JMC Academy) and edited by Dr Julia Hobson (former Senior Lecturer, Centre for University Teaching & Learning, Murdoch University), draws on data collected from industry and community surveys, interviews initiated by WA-based music writer Jessica Willoughby, and feedback from members of the WA music community, WAM staff and the WAM Board’s Diversity Committee.

The Fair Play WA report was released by WAM ahead of International Women’s Day in March 2020.