Keep Sydney Open Vows To Invest In Music & Festivals Ahead Of NSW State Election

Keep Sydney Open has made its intentions clear ahead of next month's NSW state election, with its key policies focusing on an investment in music, fixing the current music festival crisis and repealing the lockout laws. 

The anti-lockouts group announced today it will invest $100 million into contemporary music and performance over four years should it be voted in, which would be paid for through reductions of over $1 billion in tax subsidies for pokie machines. 

Keep Sydney Open has also promised to allow 24-hour trading for "well-run" venues.

“The voters of NSW have seen first-hand what happens when Government reaches too far into the lives of private citizens," Keep Sydney Open's Tyson Koh said.

"Our culture, our nightlife and our economy have suffered as a result. It’s time to change that for all of NSW."

The candidates running in the NSW Upper House for KSO include Koh, as well as former City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor and current Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee and the Cycling Advisory Committee, Jess Miller, and director of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Jesse Matheson.

“The community and business are fed-up with opaque, reactionary and sledgehammer approach to policy," Miller said.

"We represent a grassroots movement willing to fight for more balance, openness, transparency and vitality in NSW – from lockouts, to toll roads, stadiums to public housing – enough is enough.” 

Matheson added, "NSW has a rich history of cultural events and freedom of artistic and individual expression.

"The Government has placed this under threat which is unacceptable. We want a state with thriving cultural industries and ample opportunities now and in the future.”