NSW Labor introduces bill to lift live music restrictions
The NSW Labor party is pushing for the removal of bans and restrictions on live music venues across the state.
Following the launch of a Save Our Stages petition by over 60 venues which called for “immediate” government support, and suggested 85% of live music venues in NSW are at risk, the opposition responded by introducing a bill in State Parliament.
The b”ill was introduced as an amendment to the Liquor Act 2007 and titled ‘The Right To Play Music’, and would require the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (LGA) to take work opportunities for musicians into consideration when making decisions.
In a press conference on Wednesday (September 23), Opposition Leader Jodi McKay said the bill “will build on the need for New South Wales to have jobs in a variety of industries,” and “is all about putting musicians to work.
“It’s all about creating jobs and it’s about celebrating the incredible talent we have here in Australia and particularly here in New South Wales,” she added.
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Shadow Minister for Music John Graham said the proposed changes would help thousands of musicians.
“We know there are more than 600 venues that these restrictions impact, and we know the potential for growth in the NSW music industry is huge,” he said.
Several musicians appeared during Wednesday’s presser, including KLP, Cecil Coleman from Body Type, Brendan Gallagher from Karma County, and The Preatures’ Isabella Manfredi.
“Yes, it’s about jobs… but it’s also about Australian voices and that’s what I’m passionate about,” Manfredi said.
“If we do not get the support, if live music venues don’t get the support, that’s it. There’s no other safety net for us after that.”
Izzi Manfredi from @ThePreatures , @klpmusic , Cecil Coleman from @bodytypeband , @georgia_mooney , Jonathan Zwartz, and @BGallagherMusic are some of the heroes fighting for the grass roots music scene. It's never been more important than right now. #nswpol pic.twitter.com/pTnHPO5kf2
— John Graham (@JohnGrahamALP) September 23, 2020