The Victorian Greens are today announcing a plan to make major concerts and sporting events accessible to everyone, with a new lottery scheme offering tickets for no more than $50.
Under the Greens' Affordable Ticket Scheme, major events that receive state government funding or use state government-funded venues would be required to make a portion of their tickets available for $50 through a lottery open to Victorian residents.
The scheme would cover events such as the Australian Open, major international concerts and sporting events like the NFL, with the Greens committing an initial $2 million to establish the scheme.
Earlier this year the state Government paid $15 million to host an NFL game that most Victorians couldn't afford to go to and enjoy - with the Greens plan, a portion would be made available for $50 for local residents.
The Greens say, Mamdani did something similar when the World Cup came to New York so there is no reason it can't be done in Victoria.
As stated by Victorian Greens Leader Ellen Sandell:
"Melbourne prides itself on being the sporting and live music capital of Australia, but more and more Victorians are being priced out of the very events that make our city great.
"Families are struggling to afford groceries and rent, let alone hundreds of dollars for a concert ticket.
"These events often receive enormous amounts of taxpayer funding, and many are held in venues built and maintained with public money. If organisers are benefiting from public funding, the public should get something back.
As stated by the Victorian Greens Economic Justice spokesperson, Aiv Puglielli:
"Whether it's the NFL coming to Melbourne or a major international concert, the government has the power to negotiate affordable tickets as a condition of funding or using publicly funded venues.
"If there's room for free tickets for politicians and celebrities, they can afford to give a better deal to ordinary Victorians.
"Going to a big sports game or seeing your favourite artist shouldn't be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Everyone deserves to enjoy the things that make Melbourne such an incredible place to live"
