Labor Vows To Save NSW Festivals: 'People Have A Right To Go To Music Events'
“Whenever the Government faces a difficult choice their temptation is to lash out, blame someone or ban something."
The Labor Party continues to throw its support behind New South Wales’ music industry, promising to save festivals in the state if they’re voted into power at next month's state election.
Last week, the Labor party vowed millions in funding to help reinvigorate the state’s contemporary music scene, with Leader Michael Daley also promising they would throw their full support behind NSW festivals.
Labor has slammed the Government’s new festival policy, stating its “rushed and panicked” implementation risks “killing an industry that is very important to the events and tourism industries of our state”.
The new policy has already seen the cancellation of Mountain Sounds and Psyfari in recent weeks, sparking a petition that’s already been signed by over 100,000 people, alongside a slew of artists, festival promoters and industry figures speaking out in the lead up to a protest in Sydney this Thursday.
“Whenever the Government faces a difficult choice their temptation is to lash out, blame someone or ban something. Now it is the festivals’ turn. This is not Labor’s way,” Daley said.
“Life should be fun. People have a right to go to music events and know they will be safe. That can only occur with sensible regulation and good faith consultation between the Government and the industry.”
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Labor said they would take immediate action to address the crisis and would consult with the Australian Festivals Association and relevant government agencies while ensuring the licence application process is streamlined and all fees and costs are fully transparent and negotiated ahead of time.
Long running events would also be able to obtain multi-year approvals.
The party has also promised $700,000 to the Sydney Fringe Festival, extra support for ARIA Week and the ARIA Awards and outlined plans for a NSW Music Week/Awards “to specifically recognise musicians from NSW”.
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