VIC government gives Meredith Music & Golden Plains “major event” protection from scalpers

The Victorian government has announced the first music events to be given ticket scalping protection under its new Major Events Act.

Until this year, only sporting fixtures were covered.

Music and entertainment events were added to protect consumers and encourage tourism and investment.

The state government has recognised that the Meredith Music Festival, which routinely sells out its 12,800 tickets immediately, is in danger of being exploited by online ticket scalpers.

Also protected is its sister event Golden Plains, which shares its site 90km from Melbourne, and sells 10,800 stubs.

Meredith is held in December, and the next Golden Plains is in March 2019.

Geoff Howard, member for Buninyong, said, “Meredith is an iconic event on the Australian music calendar and a great economic boost for our region – anything we can do to improve the event and protect fans is worthwhile.

“Music lovers have the right to access tickets at a fair price.

“By declaring Meredith Music Festival we’re sending a clear message to ticket scalpers that their malicious practice will not be tolerated.”

Meredith’s matriarch Aunty Meredith stated, “We have always done what we can to keep our tickets from scalpers and this declaration offers the best protection yet for Meredith-goers.”

Meredith Music and Golden Plans follow protection declared for the AFL Final Series and the Anzac Day AFL blockbuster between Collingwood and Essendon, and Harry Potter & The Cursed Child Parts One and Two.

Under the legislation, it is illegal to re-sell tickets to a declared major event for more than 10% above the original value.

New authorised ticketing officers will support Victoria Police in enforcing the new laws and prosecuting ticket scalpers.

Penalties can range from $806 to up to $483,500 depending on the nature of the offences.

Major events generate $1.8 billion a year into the state’s economy, according to government figures.

An additional $4.5 million committed to the Major Events Fund in the Victorian Budget 2018/19.