2016-02-26
26/02/2016
The Greens have called on the state government to outline how they will ensure Queensland’s live music and entertainment scenes will not be harmed by the new lockout laws on nightclubs and music venues, following a big protest in inner-Sydney and new data showing a drop in live music performances in that area.
Greens spokesperson Andrew Bartlett said “new data showing a big drop in royalties from live music performances and in attendance at night clubs in inner-Sydney areas covered by nightclub lockout laws indicates there is a real danger that the same may happen in Queensland.
“I was in Sydney last Sunday with a huge crowd of over ten thousand people protesting against the impact of the area’s lockout laws on local nightlife. The level of public anger at this is clearly very real and can’t be dismissed as just a bunch of young people annoyed that they can’t get a drink.
“The Queensland government repeatedly insisted that their lockout laws would not hurt live music and entertainment, and the jobs that go with them.
“Given the risk of this sort of cultural and economic harm is very real, the Palaszczuk government needs to make it clearer what they are planning to do to avoid this danger.
“The Queensland Greens recognise that an earlier last drinks will reduce alcohol related violence, but we believe it is also vital that we maintain a vibrant night time economy that includes live music and entertainment and all the jobs that go with it.
“The Greens are very keen to see the Labor government prove themselves right about maintaining the viability and vibrancy of our state’s live music and night time culture.
“This is a chance for both the state government and the local music industry to demonstrate that a viable vibrant night time culture does not need to be so dependent on alcohol."
For further comment, contact Andrew Bartlett on 0418 743 789.