Investigation To Be Launched Into NSW's Controversial Festival License Changes

The Berejiklian Government has confirmed it will formally investigate the controversial NSW music festival licensing changes it introduced just 91 days ago. 

Following a referral yesterday by Labor’s Shadow Minister for Music, John Graham, the Government will discuss the regulations at an upcoming public inquiry. 

The inquiry will allow the festival industry to contest the changes with members of Parliament and propose a new approach.

“This is a welcome next step and I encourage members of the festival industry and the public to make submissions," Graham said today.

“Just 91 days after introducing them and the Government has supported referring its own regulations to a committee for review. We welcome the Government’s change of heart on this ill-thought-out, heavy-handed approach.”

The license has been publicly contested since it was initially announced and coming into effect on 1 March, which also prompted thousands of Sydneysiders to protest at a rally attended by names like Michael Chugg, Dave Faulkner and The Presets’ Julian Hamilton.

Last month, Northern Beaches Music Festival was forced to cancel its 2019 event citing "the new licensing laws" as the reason behind the cancellation.