Music Victoria has announced this week that it has uncovered efforts of “well-executed” voting fraud that falsely altered the results of the 2024 Music Victoria Awards.

The 2024 Music Victoria Awards. Photo © Sam D’Agostino /SDP Media.

Five of the six categories open for public voting were affected by the submission of “thousands of mis-registered votes” that unduly influenced the winners selected for the awards presented at a ceremony in October.

New winners have been announced for each category in light of the fraud:

Best Song: Jess Ribeiro, Summer of Love (previously Good Morning, Excalibur)
Best Album: Angie McMahon, Light, Dark, Light, Again (previously Gregor, Satanic Lullabies)
Best Solo Artist: Maple Glider (previously Audrey Powne)
Best Group: Gut Health (previously RVG)
Best Regional Act: Leah Senior (previously ZÖJ)

Those announced as the winners in October will be allowed to keep their prizes and trophies; the newly-announced winners will be presented with new awards at the 2025 ceremony.

“The Music Victoria Awards strive to elevate and celebrate our wonderful music community. We acknowledge the disappointment and devastation this news may cause members,” said Music Victoria in a statement.

“As a peak body organisation, Music Victoria is...