After more than a year of advocating for a stronger and more vibrant nightlife economy, I’m thrilled to see many of the reforms our community has championed included in Queensland’s first-ever Nightlife Economy Action Plan.
As a local musician, this issue has always been close to my heart. I’ve seen first-hand the challenges facing live music venues, artists, hospitality operators and event organisers. I’ve also seen the enormous value they bring to our communities, our culture and our local economy.
Queensland’s nightlife sector is about much more than entertainment. It’s about local jobs, small businesses, tourism, community connection and creating vibrant places where people want to live, work and visit.
That’s why I launched a campaign calling for meaningful reforms that would support venues and performers, reduce unnecessary barriers and help Queensland build a stronger after-dark economy.
I’m pleased to see many of those priorities reflected in the new Action Plan.
Key commitments include reducing red tape, supporting grassroots live music, modernising trading arrangements and creating more vibrant entertainment precincts across the state. These are practical reforms that will help venues flourish, support artists and create more opportunities for people to enjoy their local communities safely.
These changes also recognise the role that live music, events and hospitality will play as Queensland continues to grow and prepares to welcome the world in 2032.
This outcome would not have been possible without community support.
More than 900 people signed the petition, shared their experiences and added their voices to the conversation. Every signature helped demonstrate the importance of this issue and the need for action.
I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported the campaign, as well as Liam Carey from WhyNot Presents for his advocacy and industry leadership throughout this process. I’d also like to acknowledge the Minister and Queensland Nightlife Commissioner John “JC” Collins for their support and commitment to delivering meaningful change.
While there is still more work to do, this is a significant milestone and an important step towards creating a more vibrant, connected and sustainable nightlife economy for Queensland.
I look forward to working with industry, venues, artists and the community as these reforms are rolled out in the years ahead.
You can read the full Plan here: Queensland Nightlife Economy Action Plan 2026–2032
