Look Out Scalpers - WA’s New Laws Are Coming For You

It turns out the WA State Government hates scalpers as much as the rest of us, unveiling tough new laws that would make ticket scalping illegal in the state.

As Perth Now reports, the Ticket Scalping Bill 2018 will be introduced in Parliament this week and, once passed early next year, will make it illegal for anyone to advertise or resell tickets for more than 10% above face value.

Any individual caught reselling a ticket above that limited will be slapped with a fine of up to $20,000, while companies will be looking at fines of up to $100,000.

Bots will also be targeted under the new legislation.

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety will monitor various websites for scalping, while the Commissioner for Consumer Protection will enforce fines.

The WA scalping legislation is broader than that of Victoria’s - which only relates to major events like AFL finals - and is more aligned with that of NSW and SA.

The WA McGowan Government has long championed the state’s music industry, earlier this year injecting $3 million into the sector an effort to help artists promote themselves and create new jobs.