Published
Fri, Nov 16, 2018, 10:32
- The study comes ahead of a vote on rollbacks to New South Wales' controversial lockout laws.
A New South Wales (NSW) parliamentary committee has recommended lifting unnecessary restrictions on venues to stave off a live music "crisis."
The committee into the music and arts economy in the Australian state released a report Thursday finding the crisis in its live music scene extends from the grassroots to the touring circuit. It makes 60 recommendations to NSW lawmakers, including an increase in funding for contemporary music of at least $35 million over four years and "simplifying procedures around planning, regulation and licensing for live music venues," The Guardian reports.
Sydney's controversial lockout laws were enacted in 2014 after random acts of street violence, but the committee "does not believe that there is a link between live music, in and of itself, and violence." The report recommends NSW amend liquor legislation to remove "outdated" and "unnecessary restrictions" on venues, and also that the premier replace the minister for arts with a minister for music, establish a Music Development Office and reinstate funding to the Live Music Office. Other recommendations include special funding programs for indigenous musicians and designating live music venues as "assets of community value."
The report was based on 437 submissions and 11 public hearings, along with various artist interviews. "Not having a vibrant music industry will cost us greatly and bring embarrassment to our beautiful global city," the report concludes.
Tyson Koh of Keep Sydney Open, the activist group turned political party, called the report "significant" and urged the government to act on its recommendations. The group held a rally last month ahead of a debate and vote on legislation that would rollback the lockout laws, which bars entry to venues after 1:30 AM and alcohol service at 3 AM.
Check out the full report here. For more on the music scene's ongoing struggle with lockout laws, check out our 2015 feature.