Victoria introduces new laws to cap resale tickets to 10%, protect events

Six months after it announced its intentions to combat profiteering in the secondary ticketing market, the Victorian Government followed through this morning with the introduction of new laws.

The Major Events Legislation Amendment (ticket scalping and other matters) Bill 2017 will make it illegal to sell or advertise for resale tickets to any declared event for more than 10% above face value.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren said, “We’re putting real fans first and stopping scalpers in their tracks – and that’s exactly what this bill will do.

“For too long, Victorians have been ripped off, desperate to see their favourite team or performance live.

“These new measures will crack down on scalpers and help keep our major events fair and accessible for everyone.”

In May, a discussion paper about the proposed changes was sent to Victoria Police, ticketing agencies and stadium officials, to provide feedback.

Under the new Major Events Act, the Minister for Tourism and Major Events will also be able to declare events other than sporting fixtures.

The legislation will allow cultural events like theatre shows and concerts to be declared and better protected, improving the state’s capacity to bring more massive events to Victoria.

Most importantly the Government has also bolstered up the intentions of the new law with actual enforcement.

New authorised ticketing officers will be introduced, and along with Victoria Police officers, will be able to fine scalpers who target popular events.

In a statement, the Government declared it “will also have greater flexibility to address ticket scalping, with the removal of the nine-month lead-in period for major events to be declared.

“All these measures will encourage more event organisers to seek stronger ticketing protections to guard against scalping.

“The Labor Government will continue to work with event organisers and organisations to ensure our enviable events calendar is fair and accessible to all Victorians. As always, we encourage everyone to only buy tickets from authorised sellers.”

With the new law hopefully clearing the decks to draw more events to the state, the Government is also signalling a greater focus on tourism as a result.

With the establishment of Visit Victoria, the bill will also repeal the Tourism Victoria Act 1992.