Australia and Eurovision: Five things we learnt from Martin Green
Australia's future in Eurovision, our unique invitation status and the possibility of competing in Eurovision Asia were among the topics we discussed with Eurovision Song Contest Director Martin Green CBE.
During his visit to Australia, Martin sat down with Aussievision for an exclusive interview covering Australia's place in the Contest, the upcoming Eurovision Asia and preparations for Eurovision 2027.
Here are the key things we learnt about Australia, including some surprising insights into how our participation actually works.
1. Australia doesn't need to seek an invitation every year
Despite Australia officially participating by invitation, Martin revealed that the arrangement is more straightforward than many fans might expect.
Rather than SBS waiting for a special call or email to be invited each year, participation has effectively become the default.
"It's actually up to SBS to tell us one day, actually, we're going to give it a miss this year," he explained.
Although it isn't a guarantee that the arrangement could never change, it does look like Australia's place at Eurovision is very secure.
Martin was also full of praise for the people behind Australia's Eurovision participation.
He was due to meet SBS's Head of Delegation Emily Griggs, despite her busy schedule. He spoke particularly warmly about Emily and Australia's involvement in the Contest.
2. Australia's Eurovision arrangement is unlikely to be repeated
With Canada joining Eurovision in 2027 through full EBU membership, we asked Martin about Australia's unusual position as an associate member.
"SBS are absolutely unique and I personally don't think we'll ever see an example of it again," he said.
Martin pointed to Australia's long history of broadcasting and embracing Eurovision before joining the competition in 2015 as the reason behind its exceptional arrangement.
3. There were no advance hosting talks despite Delta's Eurovision chances
With Delta Goodrem firmly in contention for victory, were the EBU and SBS in any discussions on what would happen if Australia won?
Martin explained that some broadcasters approach the EBU ahead of the results when they believe they have a serious chance of victory and may have concerns.
He said that Australia wasn't presumptuous about the result and no conversations were needed.
He praised Australia's event production capabilities, saying the country could deliver an amazing Eurovision "in your sleep".
Martin also explained that the EBU has an established process ready to begin immediately after a winner is confirmed, meaning broadcasters don't necessarily need to make extensive preparations before the result.
4. Australia's natural home is Eurovision in Europe, rather than Asia
With the inaugural Eurovision Asia taking place in Bangkok, we asked whether Australia might one day compete in both contests.
He said that such a decision would essentially be up to SBS, but indicated that Australia's musical identity was better suited to the European competition.
He explained that Eurovision's different contests are increasingly about musical cultures rather than simply geography, with Australia's pop music fitting naturally into the Western music model.
While he didn't rule out Australian participation in Eurovision Asia, his comments suggest he sees our future firmly connected to the original Contest.
5. Australian fans will have more travel options for Eurovision 2027
With Eurovision heading to Burgas, Bulgaria, in 2027, getting to the host city is a particular concern for Australian fans facing lengthy and often complicated journeys.
Martin confirmed that organisers are working on additional flights and transport connections, including additional routes through Sofia and Istanbul, as well as further accommodation releases.
He reassured Australian fans that the journey may be easier than expected and confirmed that information about travel options would be made available before Eurovision tickets go on sale.
While the additional arrangements are still being finalised, the commitment should provide some reassurance for Australians planning to make the trip.
Watch our full interview with Martin Green
There's plenty more from our conversation with Martin Green, including his thoughts on Eurovision Asia's long-term future, potential new participating countries, preparations for Eurovision 2027 in Bulgaria and the future of Eurovision's global brand.
Watch the full Aussievision interview below to hear his answers in full.
Cambodia will compete in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia on 14 November 2026 at the One Bangkok Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, with the show beginning at 8:30 p.m. local time.
For continued updates on all Eurovision Song Contest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, BlueSky, Threads and Instagram. All the links can be found at: https://linktr.ee/aussievisionnet
