A parliamentary inquiry into New South Wales's live music scene is examining a raft of proposals, including the radical suggestion of free public transport and extended venue operating hours, as industry figures voice concerns about the sector's precarious state. The NSW parliamentary inquiry has received over 100 submissions, signalling a broad engagement with the issues plaguing live performance spaces.
The core of the discussion revolves around accessibility and attendance. ==
Industry stakeholders, presenting to the inquiry, pointed to a changing social landscape and the lingering impact of disruptions, notably the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports indicate that since the pandemic's onset, approximately 1,300 live music venues have ceased operations nationwide. Nightclub attendance has plummeted to nearly half of pre-pandemic levels.
Barriers to Access and Proposed Solutions
Witnesses before the inquiry highlighted the difficulties young people face in attending live music events.
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Urban Sprawl and Transport Woes: The vastness of Sydney and a perceived lack of convenient transport options were cited as significant impediments to accessing live music venues, particularly for younger demographics. Suggestions included the implementation of free public transport to encourage attendance and reduce barriers.
Extended Trading Hours: A concurrent push for revitalising Sydney's nightlife involves plans for later trading hours for bars and entertainment venues. These proposals, initiated by the City of Sydney, could see establishments in areas like Haymarket, Newtown, and Broadway extending their operating times, especially when live entertainment is provided. For instance, a bar on King Street in Newtown could potentially stay open until 1am with live entertainment, an extension from its current hours.
Rethinking Policing: Beyond logistical concerns, the inquiry is also considering a potential re-evaluation of police presence at live music events. Ideas floated include a review of the necessity for large police deployments and the use of tactics like sniffer dogs and strip-searches, suggesting a move towards a less adversarial approach to managing crowds and event safety.
Infrastructure and Training: Further recommendations from a related inquiry into Australia's live music sector include the potential development of dedicated outdoor performance spaces, complete with sound systems and associated infrastructure. Support for live music event-related training programs for young people also emerged as a consideration.
Context of the Struggling Sector
The current discussions are situated within a broader context of a struggling live music ecosystem. Post-pandemic recovery has proven challenging, with venue closures and reduced audience numbers creating an environment where many establishments find it difficult to operate. A report from March 2025 detailed around 20 suggestions to revive live music across Australia, encompassing free or discounted tickets, altered policing strategies, and infrastructure development.
Separately, Sydney city council has also explored measures to invigorate the city's nightlife. Proposals from October 2024 included turning the CBD into a round-the-clock entertainment hub, with specific examples of extended trading hours for bars offering live performances. The idea of a 24-hour Metro service was also endorsed to support these broader nightlife reforms.
