MP Says New Plan To Save Sydney Nightlife & Live Venues Must Be Fast-tracked

The NSW Government's newly-announced strategy to reinvigorate Sydney's nightlife has been widely praised, however the plan is now being urged to be fast-tracked as businesses look to recover from the city's lockout laws and COVID lockdowns. 

The detailed strategy to revamp Sydney nightlife includes policy ideas that will reduce red tape for live venues, increase public transport options for punters, extend opening hours and encourage more activities in public spaces, among other things.

 Shadow Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy, John Graham, said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes, must roll out the plan urgently. 

"My fear is this is an old set of answers to an old set of problems," Graham said.

"The impact of the lockdown on night time businesses and jobs has swamped the previous impacts of the lockouts.

“Mr Stokes needs to use his ministerial powers to keep entertainment and hospitality workers in jobs by supporting outdoor dining and performance and later trading.

"These are the same powers he used to keep truckies in work, delivering to supermarkets - or tradies in the construction business. Now they should be applied to support musicians and hospitality workers.

“This sector needs financial support. These businesses are drowning in the face of an economic tidal wave. There is no fiscal life boat from the Government."

Graham's comments come just months after he called for "bold action" from the Government to prepare for the return of music festivals.