Music festivals provide huge cultural and economic boosts for the state and opportunities for local talent to build a fan base. But excessive conditions on music festivals introduced in 2019 have driven up costs in an environment where other costs like insurance and freight have gone up and people have less disposable income to spend on tickets. This year at least four major festivals were cancelled flagging the need for reform and support to keep this important industry going. In Parliament, I welcomed the government legislation to remove red tape imposed on music festivals and provide short term financial support. During debate I also called for an overhaul of drug dog operations and strip searches which are encouraging people to take greater risks when they use drugs at festivals.

My speech > HERE.