Denied: Controversial Changes To NSW Festival Licenses Have Been Disallowed

The NSW Upper House has today voted to disallow controversial changes to NSW festival licenses. 

Following a debate in Legislative Council, 21 voted to disallow the changes, which were put through by the Coalition in March, which includes the Liquor Amendment (Music Festivals) Regulation 2019 and the Gaming and Liquor Administration Amendment (Music Festivals) Regulation 2019.  

“The Government can now sit down with the industry for some constructive consultation on ways to improve patron safety at music festivals, including steps to reduce drug-related harm,” Chief Executive of Live Performance Australia, Evelyn Richardson, said.

“From the outset, we have repeatedly expressed our strong desire to work collaboratively with government on our shared commitment to safer festivals.

“Genuine collaboration with industry representatives who have decades of experience in running safe and successful festivals is the best way to promote the safety of festival patrons, while also ensuring NSW  continues to enjoy the economic and cultural benefits from a dynamic and diverse music festival industry."

A formal investigation into NSW’s controversial festival license changes took place in August, with a Regulation Committee hearing from a number of members of the music industry including Splendour In The Grass promoter Jessica Ducrou, Live Performance Australia's Evelyn Richardson, Fuzzy Managing Director Adelle Robinson, Australian Festival Association's Julia Robinson and Live Music Office's John Wardle.