‘Australia, NZ creating the best music in the world’

Emma Manser
Nov 26, 2015, updated Nov 27, 2015

Tina Arena has tackled ageism in the music industry in a spirited speech to accept the Hall of Fame award at the ARIA awards in Sydney.

Australian music performers pulled out some impressive performances on Thursday night, which highlighted the best from the local industry in 2015.

Perth rock band Tame Impala could barely contain their shock at taking out the best group award, with nominees including rock legends AC/DC, and later winning best rock album.

But the best of the night was yet to come – they were also awarded album of the year for Currents.

For a list of all the ARIA Awards winners click on the owl

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Music industry veterans Kylie Minogue and Tina Arena dazzled on the red carpet – and on stage – when Arena performed with Australian artists Jessica Mauboy and The Veronicas.

Ed Sheeran performs at the ARIA awards in Sydney. Photo: Getty

They belted out the 48-year-old’s 1994 hit Chains, to mark her induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

“I want to still acknowledge that ladies over 40 are still in the game,” she said, rolling off names like Kylie, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Annie Lennox.

“Keep doing what you’re doing, ladies, because we will decide when it’s time for us to stop.”

She urged radio stations to support Australian music, particularly female artists, and paid tribute to her “adopted country” of France.

“I implore commercial radio to continue to support Australian music and base your play lists on the quality of the song and not the age of the artist,” she said.

“Please stand proud, Australia, and New Zealand, because you are creating some of what I would consider the greatest music in the world today.

“Lastly, I know it’s been a hell of a week in my adopted country of France, and in many parts of the world to be really fair, but I know that we can all get through this if we look after each other and we stay connected and united.”

Support for English pop band One Direction has clearly not waned since they announced they would go on hiatus – they won the best international artist for the fourth year running.

Brit singer Ed Sheeran was also on hand to present an award, before he was awarded the inaugural ARIA Diamond award, by friend James Blunt, who introduced him as a “ginger ninja”.

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The most nominated artist of the night, Melbourne singer, songwriter and guitarist Courtney Barnett, picked up three gongs for best female artist, breakthrough artist and best independent release.

“What would you like to say,” award presenter Rove McManus asked Barnett, who appeared via video from London. “Don’t drop it,” she replied, before thanking her team.

Sydney pop punk band Five Seconds of Summer were voted the best live act in a Twitter voting poll, while Triple J’s Matt Okine won the best comedy release and Rufus took out best dance release.