‘People care about the songs, books and pictures that influence the critical moments in their lives,’ says the architect of the fightback in the UK

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If there is one lesson to be learned from a similar battle in the UK, high-profile members of the creative industries make a difference. They get your argument on the front of newspapers, in the news bulletins and on social media.

The many artists who put their name to various letters and protests against the reforms to create a virtual red carpet, included: Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Abba’s Björn Ulvaeus, the actor Julianne Moore and the Radiohead singer Thom Yorke.

John had one of the most memorable soundbites, calling the government “absolute losers” who were on course to “rob young people of their legacy and their income”.

Overall, the campaign was more sophisticated than just rounding up irritated celebrities. Beeban Kidron, a member of the upper house of the UK parliament and an award-winning film director, marshalled an effective political campaign against the proposals by pushing legislative amendments that would have spiked the plans. She also helped organise celebrity opposition.

Kidron says the campaign struck a chord with the public.

“People care about the songs, books and pictures that influence the critical moments in their lives,” she says.

The Australian prime minister should take heed, Kidron says.

“Albanese has been a leader in standing up to tech. He should not squander his reputation by selling Australian creatives down the river.”

“There is no one out there, who does not work for an AI company, who thinks AI companies should not pay for the content they use,” he says. “What we did in the UK was make the government understand that was the case.”

Newton-Rex, a composer and former AI executive, put together an album featuring recordings of dormant music studios and performance spaces, called Is This What We Want? It was backed by more than 1,000 musicians, including Damon Albarn, Kate Bush and Annie Lennox.

The author stunt, called Don’t Steal This Book, involved 10,000 writers listing their names in an otherwise empty paperback. Contributors included Kazuo Ishiguro, Philippa Gregory and Richard Osman.

“The government recognised that it didn’t frame the initial consultation very well,” says Antony Walker, deputy chief executive of trade association techUK. “But I also think rights holders were extremely effective at shouting down the debate. It was a one-sided argument.”

Over to you, Kylie, Baz and Hugh.