Queensland Government introduces Bill to support concerts and major events
The Queensland Government has introduced the Sports Facilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, aimed at strengthening Queensland’s ability to attract and deliver major concerts and events.
The Bill was introduced last year, has been through the committee process, and is due to return to Parliament on 10 February. It proposes significant reforms to stadium curfews, noise regulation, and ticket scalping laws.
A consistent curfew across Queensland stadiums
One of the most practical changes is the proposal to standardise concert finish times across major stadiums in Queensland to 10.30pm.
This is particularly important for the Gold Coast, where stadiums have operated under a 10.00pm finish time. The Bill would align Gold Coast venues such as Cbus Super Stadium and People First Stadium with Suncorp Stadium.
Stadiums Queensland Chief Executive Todd Harris noted that community consultation showed strong support for the change. “This community consultation showed strong community support to allow both Gold Coast Stadiums to host concerts until 10.30pm, consistent with the laws that apply to Suncorp Stadium.”
He also emphasised the economic and regulatory benefits. “The regulatory framework proposed by the Bill will enable appropriate noise standards to be set for these two venues, supporting the attraction of major concerts to the Gold Coast and driving the visitor economy.”
Why curfews matter for live performance
While a 30-minute extension may seem minor, it has major implications for concert scheduling, including support acts and headline performances.
Live Performance Australia highlighted the practical challenges of a 10pm finish. “A 10pm finish time poses challenges in terms of line up and running times for concerts at stadiums or arenas, which typically includes a support act.”
They also warned of the impact on audiences and touring decisions. “It would also be disappointing for fans to be denied the opportunity to see their favourite act in their local area because event promoters have omitted Queensland stadiums and arenas from the tour because of the 10pm curfew.”
Shifting noise regulation away from liquor licensing
A second major reform is the removal of environmental noise constraints from liquor licensing regulation, shifting oversight into the Major Events Act 2014. The intent is to streamline approvals and provide clearer powers to manage major events, rather than relying on liquor licensing laws or local government processes.
However, Gold Coast City Council has raised concerns about enforcement responsibilities. “If event organisers comply with noise related conditions of the Regulation, then noise from the special events will be considered compliant under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. If the State determines non compliance with conditions under the Regulation, it is the City’s understanding that regulatory action may transition to the City.”
Ticket scalping reforms and stronger penalties
The Bill also proposes amendments to ticket scalping offences, including increased penalties for unlawful resale above the legislated cap. Importantly, it removes the offence of buying a scalped ticket, focusing enforcement on resellers rather than consumers.
Live Performance Australia supported this change. “Ticket scalping measures should focus on unscrupulous ticket resellers and should not penalise buyers who may be unaware they have bought tickets at an inflated price.”
They also cautioned that enforcement will be critical. “Without it, it will spur scalping behaviour, scalpers will continue their practices without fear of criminal or financial repercussions.”
Industry concerns about the resale cap
Some stakeholders have argued the current 10 percent resale cap is too rigid, particularly for legitimate providers competing with offshore operators.
Robert Revis, President of the Ticketbrokers Association of Australia, stated: “Licensed Australian ticketing, travel, and hospitality providers cannot compete under rigid caps, while offshore operators flourish.”
The Association has recommended reviewing the cap. “A more practical threshold, for example 20 to 30 percent, would reflect business costs and align with international best practice.”
A step forward, but broader reform is needed
Overall, the Bill seeks to address two key areas in Queensland’s major events growth.
The first is the introduction of a consistent and reasonable curfew, which is likely to strengthen Queensland’s ability to attract major concerts and support local talent.
The second is ticket scalping reform, which is more complex and will depend heavily on compliance and enforcement.
It is also clear that lasting change will require Federal action on broader market issues, including dynamic pricing and market dominance in ticket sales. Queensland’s reforms are a positive step, but national coordination will be essential if Australians are to see genuine reductions in the cost of attending major concerts and festivals.