Monday 2 July 2018

Following release of City of Sydney findings that Sydneysiders want longer trading hours, more places to go and more diverse options after dark, I again called on the government to make Sydney’s night time economy an urgent priority.

Small wins like half hour extensions to lockouts and trading hours for live music venues have helped but more is needed to restore business and consumer confidence. We continue to wait for action from the NSW Government Night Time Economy Taskforce, including a music action plan and a night time economy master plan. The Minister for Racing still hasn’t responded to my April request for a meeting to discuss this matter.

Police tell me there were few incidents when the 1.30 am lockout was lifted in the Oxford Street precinct during the Mardi Gras Parade night. We should remove the lockout for well managed venues and introduce measures like saturation zones, late night transport and renewable licences to ensure we retain the safety improvements.

My speech: HERE.