The Andrews Labor Government will introduce legislation today to crack down on ticket scalping and give regular fans a fairer go.
While the internet has made it easier for people to purchase tickets, a resale market of price gouging has emerged.
The Labor Government’s Major Events Legislation Amendment (ticket scalping and other matters) Bill 2017 will make it illegal to sell or advertise for resale tickets to any declared event for more than 10 per cent above face value.
This will protect more fans from being ripped off and from paying exorbitant amounts to ticket scalpers on the secondary market.
Under the new Major Events Act, the Minister for Tourism and Major Events will also be able to declare events other than sporting fixtures.
The legislation will allow cultural events like theatre shows and concerts to be declared and better protected, improving our capacity to bring more massive events to Victoria.
New authorised ticketing officers will be introduced, and along with Victoria Police officers, will be able to fine scalpers who target popular events.
Government will also have greater flexibility to address ticket scalping, with the removal of the nine month lead in period for major events to be declared.
All these measures will encourage more event organisers to seek stronger ticketing protections to guard against scalping.
The Labor Government will continue to work with event organisers and organisations to ensure our enviable events calendar is fair and accessible to all Victorians. As always, we encourage everyone to only buy tickets from authorised sellers.
With the establishment of Visit Victoria, the bill will also repeal the Tourism Victoria Act 1992.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“We’re putting real fans first and stopping scalpers in their tracks – and that’s exactly what this bill will do.”
“For too long, Victorians have been ripped off, desperate to see their favourite team or performance live.”
“These new measures will crack down on scalpers and help keep our major events fair and accessible for everyone.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020