Labor's policy announcements for action on ticket gouging and support for Australian music have been welcomed by Live Performance Australia, the peak body for Australia's live performance industry.
LPA Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson, said 23 million Australians spent $1.88 billion on tickets for live performances during 2017.
"Measures to improve the integrity of ticket sales and provide better protections for consumers, artists and producers are welcome and long overdue," Ms Richardson said.
"LPA has been calling for action in this area for some time now and it's pleasing to see Labor is prepared to take practical action.
"While we welcome any legislation that protects consumers we also need to ensure rogue operators in the market, such as Viagogo, are stopped. There is no point having legislation if all it does is increase Viagogo's market share which we estimate to be well over 80 percent. Government needs to protect consumers from Viagogo and close them down when they don't comply with Australian law.
"The measures announced by Labor are consistent with those supported by our members, and we look forward to discussing them in further detail to ensure they deliver the intended outcomes – that is, a better deal for consumers, and our artists, performers, promoters and producers of live performance."
"Labor's commitment to introduce a comprehensive contemporary music policy, including support for a revitalised 'Sounds Australia' to promote Australian music internationally, is warmly welcomed.
"The music industry is a mainstay of our live performance industry and Labor's commitment should encourage an even bigger and better Australian music industry at home and leverage opportunities for industry growth in a competitive global market. However, we believe that a national music policy should recognise the value of all music genres from contemporary to classical. Live music is not a one size fits all and government investment should reflect that," Ms Richardson said.
"We also look forward to further announcements regarding new investment across all live performance art forms. Given the importance and economic and cultural value of live performance to all Australians, the need for greater investment has never been greater," Ms Richardson said.
