Labor To Launch Live Music Campaign In NSW

The New South Wales Labor party are looking to align themselves with the battle to save live music venues in the state, with the campaign to be suggested at a conference this weekend.

The Sydney Morning Herald are reporting that a motion will be raised at the conference for a "Labor Loves Live Music" campaign, which calls on councils to support live music venues, particularly for venues that have a long history. Noise restrictions are one of the many problems facing live venues, particularly when council decisions favour the noise complaints of new residents, regardless how long the venue has been there.

Labor, the opposition in New South Wales, will be hoping to attract younger music-loving voters, particularly Greens voters, at a time when entrenched venues such as the Sandringham Hotel and the Annandale Hotel are coming under threat.

The motion will be moved by Leichhardt Labor councillor Darcy Byrne, who said it has arisen from the ongoing dispute between the Annandale Hotel and Leichhardt council over late night trading.

''Local governments must choose to be on the side of live music venues as opposed to quieter pubs filled with poker machines,'' he said.

Music campaigner John Wardle advised Labor on the campaign.