Government Makes 'Landmark Commitment' to Protect NSW Live Venues

Greater protections for music venues, events and festivals across the state will come into effect after the NSW Government passed the Contemporary Music Act 2026 this week.

The landmark commitment falls under the NSW Government's 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy, and codifies vital protections for music festivals, concerts and venues to uplift and promote the live music industry as a cornerstone of the state’s cultural identity and as a key employer and contributor to the economy.

The legislation will establish a Music Venue Recognition Scheme, expected to be launched later this year. This three-tier system classifies venues as "dedicated," "significant," or "live music" venues tied to government support, including extended trading hours and grants. Concert definitions will also be updated to support more local acts, while events will no longer be classified as "large-scale music festivals" for hosting more than four acts. This means organisers will be able to expand event line-ups without triggering the regulatory requirements of a festival.

The Bill also includes a new noise assessment methodology for outdoor event sites - such as Centennial Park, the Domain and the Sydney Opera House - which will use an average sound level over time, rather than being penalised for short bursts of noise.

"Dedicated" and "significant" venues will have access to free mediation through the NSW Small Business Commission, with referrals pausing related court proceedings. State agencies and local councils will no longer be permitted to base licensing, development or event approval decisions solely on music genre, under the Act. Human creativity is also recognised, with the Bill including provisions addressing the impact of AI on original music and creative work.

The Act also sets principles for government agencies and councils regarding live music support, reasonable fees and genre-neutral risk assessments, and allows the NSW Government to advocate on industry issues including emerging technology and remuneration for performers, managers and copyright holders.

John Graham, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, said the Contemporary Music Act 2026 provides vital protections for our music industry and demonstrates the importance of live music to the economy and the cultural fabric of this state.

He noted that important and common-sense changes made in this Act will encourage more live music programming at events across the state, which leads to more jobs for local artists and more live music for fans.

“We’ve already introduced a massive range of support for contemporary and live music in this state. This world-first legislation is about building a sustainable future, and helps venues and fans relax and enjoy their next great gig.”

Jess Keeley, Chair of the Association of Artist Managers (AAM), applauded the updates made to the outdated Entertainment Industry Act. “These changes will now ensure that artist managers are formally recognised as their own essential role in the music ecosystem, and who’s contribution is worth protecting.”

Julian Hamilton from ARIA Award-winning duo The Presets celebrated what the new law means for the Australian music industry. "These laws mean we can now invite an extra Sydney-based artist to join our All-Australian lineup on Foreverafter – a big gig we’re curating at the Carriageworks in January," he said. “We’re fans of any changes to the law which make NSW a better place for live music and for live music venues – and we thank the NSW government for engaging genuinely with our sector.”

Emily Collins, Head of Sound NSW, added that the Contemporary Music Act is an important recognition for the industry’s impact on the lives of people from NSW. “The changes will provide greater certainty for industry, government and event organisers, supporting continued growth, encouraging investment and cementing NSW as a global music destination.”

APRA AMCOS also welcomed the passage of the Bill. CEO Dean Ormston applauded the Government’s $103 million in contemporary music since the last election. “This legislation now sets clear rules for every state agency and council that makes decisions about music, from venue licensing to event approvals," he said.

"Songwriters have spent too long watching gigs being cancelled or loaded with conditions because of the kind of music they write and perform. Ending genre-based decision-making across government is a principle we've argued for over many years, and we're glad to see it in legislation.

"Paul Kelly has described live music venues as his university. That's where songwriters learn their craft and build their audiences and careers. One dispute with a neighbour or an authority can cost a small venue more than it can carry. Every venue lost that way weakens the ability of artists across NSW to build the local audiences and export markets that the next Australian hit depends on," Ormston continued.

"The 2020 reforms cleared away a generation of red tape and gave councils the power to create special entertainment precincts. The precincts being rolled out now are built on that work. Six years on, NSW has gone from being the hardest place in the country to put on a gig to having support for music written into law."

From Rolling Stone AU/NZ