Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren, has declared the Meredith Music Festival and Golden Plains Music Festival ‘major events’ under the new Major Events Act 2009 due to the expected strong demand for tickets. Festival-goers will now be better protected against ticket scalping. Other declared events include the 2018 AFL Finals Series and the Anzac Day AFL match.
The State Government is cracking down on ticket scalpers to help genuine sports fans, theatre goers and music lovers access tickets for the many events on Victoria’s events calendar without having to pay inflated prices.
Under the legislation, it is illegal to re-sell tickets to a declared major event for more than 10% above the original value. New authorised ticketing officers will support Victoria Police in enforcing the new laws and prosecuting ticket scalpers. Penalties can range from $806 to up to $483,500 depending on the nature of the offences.
Major events are critical to Victoria, generating $1.8 billion for the economy each year and driving tourism, branding and trade and business links.