Sydney 23 September 2026: The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has welcomed the passage of the Contemporary Music Act 2026, with CEO Paul McLeay describing the legislation as “a meaningful shift” for live music venues, concerts and festivals across New South Wales.
The NSW Parliament has passed the Contemporary Music Act 2026, legislation the NSW Government describes as a world first. The Act establishes lasting protections for the venues, concerts and festivals that sit at the heart of the night time economy.
“After a decade shaped by lockouts, lockdowns and regulation that too often treated live music as a risk rather than an asset, this Act represents a meaningful shift for our industry,” Mr McLeay said.
“We thank the Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, the Hon. John Graham MLC, for his ongoing commitment to working with industry, as well as Sound NSW and the many operators, artists and advocates whose persistence helped to deliver these reforms.
“Together, these measures offer venues and promoters the certainty our industry needs in order to plan, invest and grow.”
What the Act delivers
Music Venue Recognition Scheme. A three-tier system will recognise dedicated, significant and live music venues, with support such as extended trading hours and grants tailored to each tier. The scheme is expected to launch later this year.
Fairer treatment of concerts. Events featuring more than four acts will no longer be classified as large-scale music festivals on that basis alone. Organisers will be able to expand line-ups without taking on the regulatory obligations of a festival, supporting local artists, venues and audiences.
A more sensible approach to noise. Outdoor events at Government sites, including Centennial Park, the Domain and the Sydney Opera House, will be assessed using an average-over-time measure. This is expected to reduce costly breaches caused by a momentary burst of sound or a gust of wind.
Access to free mediation. Dedicated and significant venues will be able to access free mediation through the NSW Small Business Commission, with court proceedings paused while a dispute is being resolved.
An end to genre-based decisions. State agencies and local councils will no longer be able to make licensing, development or event approval decisions based solely on music genre.
Guiding principles for government. Agencies and councils will be guided to support live music, keep fees reasonable and avoid genre-based risk assessments. The Act also enshrines the importance of human creativity, including in the context of artificial intelligence.
NTIA will continue to keep members informed as the Music Venue Recognition Scheme and other elements of the Act are implemented.
