Ticket scalping legislation to restrict the resale of event tickets will be introduced to State Parliament later this week.
The new laws apply to all ticketed events in Western Australia and will:
- Allow consumers to resell tickets as long as the ticket is not sold for more than 10 per cent of the original sale price; and
- Prohibit the use of software designed to dodge security measures on ticket selling websites.
The introduction of these laws will give the Commissioner for Consumer Protection the power to enforce anti-ticket scalping measures, which up until now have been difficult to police.
Breaches of the provisions will see individuals fined a maximum of $20,000 and body corporates fined a maximum of $100,000.
It is expected the legislation will come into effect next year.
As noted by Commerce and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston:
"For too long, Western Australians have been ripped off by ticket scalpers or missed out on seeing their favourite performers or major sporting events because of fraudulent tickets.
"The McGowan Government has delivered on its election commitment swiftly, unlike the former Liberal National Government who did nothing about this legacy issue.
"This Bill provides more transparency for those purchasing from a reseller as tickets advertised for resale must include the original price of the ticket and identify the location of the seat or viewing spot for each ticket.
"At a national level, we will continue to work with the Federal Government to address broader issues such as tickets sold by online ticket resale providers such as Viagogo."
