The NSW Government has announced a new licensing scheme for music festivals, which will start from 1st March 1 will only apply to 14 specified higher risk festivals.
A statement from the NSW Department Of Industry which oversees the Liquor and Gaming Authority said, "Higher risk festivals are festivals where a serious drug related illness or death has occurred in the past three years or where the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority has determined, having regard to expert advice from NSW Health and NSW Police, that there may be a significant risk of serious drug related illness or death."
Minister for Racing Paul Toole said that these changes to the scope of the scheme followed consultation with music festival operators and other stakeholders, and would mean that no festival, other than the 14 specified higher risk festivals, will be affected by the new licensing scheme."
Mr Toole said that the NSW Government recognised that there has been concern and uncertainty among festival operators about how the new licensing scheme will operate.
This government recognition has occurred following a well-orchestrated campaign from the Don't Kill Live Music action group, which included a rally in Hyde Park this week, coupled with threats of relocation of high profile events such as Bluesfest. The movement achieved high-profile coverage on all major news services.
“This announcement today will help provide certainty regarding the new scheme, and ensure there are no added cost burdens on low risk festivals. The scheme is designed to support music festival operators, particularly those who are dealing with the evolving challenge of illegal drug use at their festivals.
“We know that most operators, including operators of higher risk festivals, work hard to do the right thing – now they will have access to more expert advice and support to help them run safer events. We are committed to continuing to work with music festival operators and other industry stakeholders to ensure the right balance is struck between great entertainment and festival safety.”
The 14 Festivals On The 'High Risk' List
| Days Like This | Victoria Park, Camperdown | March 2019 |
| Transmission | Sydney Showground | March 2019 |
| Up Down | Newcastle Foreshore | March 2019 |
| Defqon.1 | Castlereagh | September 2019 |
| Subsonic | Riverwood Downs, Monkerai | November 2019 |
| This That | Wickham Park, Newcastle | November 2019 |
| Knockout Games of Destiny | Sydney Showground | December 2019 |
| Lost Paradise | Glenworth Valley | December 2019 |
| FOMO | Parramatta Park | January 2020 |
| Electric Gardens | Centennial Park, Sydney | January 2020 |
| HTID | Sydney Showground | January 2020 |
| Rolling Loud | Sydney Showground | January 2020 |
| Laneway | Callan Park, Rozelle | February 2020 |
| Ultra | Parramatta Park, Parramatta | February 2020 |
