Premier’s plan to fix Qld’s flailing music and night life industry

A dedicated night life commissioner will be appointed in a bid to revitalise Queensland’s 24-hour economy amid shock closures of live music venues and cancellations of major festivals.

A dedicated night life commissioner will be appointed by the Miles Government in a bid to revitalise Queensland’s 24-hour economy amid shock closures of live music venues and cancellations of major festivals.

Premier Steven Miles will on Monday reveal the new commissioner position will be tasked with working closely with local businesses, live music venues and entertainment precincts to advocate for the night time economy.

Brisbane will be a focus but the government has affirmed the position is designed to bring positive change and economic growth across the state — from a pub in Toowoomba to a music festival in Cairns.

The move by Mr Miles comes after industry leaders, as part of the Courier-Mail’s Future Brisbane series in late 2023, desperately called for a night-time commissioner amid a growing concerns about the city’s struggling after dark economy.

Brisbane live music venue, The Zoo, has announced that it will be closing its doors next month.

Restaurateur, publicans and nightclub owners have been warning of the impacts of ID scanning and lockout laws — policies of the Labor government — and the growing trend of Queenslanders heading home earlier and spending less.

Mr Miles acknowledged small business, particularly in the arts and live music venues, were doing it tough.

“Our night-time economy helps generate millions each year and supports jobs across the state, in small business, arts, entertainment, tourism and more,” he said.

“It’s my expectation that the commissioner will work closely and collaboratively with the sector to boost vibrancy and maintain safety right across the state.

“A thriving and safe night-time economy means a thriving city – one that keeps our young and brightest in good jobs, delivering for Queensland.”

The role will be supported by funding set aside in the State Budget, set to be unveiled on Tuesday.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles.

NSW appointed former Time Out managing director Michael Rodrigues as the state’s first 24-hour Economy Commissioner in 2021, tasked with reviving the night-life – including dining and live music – in city precincts.

Major issues identified by both traders and residents as part of Future Brisbane were 3am lockout laws, the mandatory scanning of IDs at venues introduced by the Labor government and a lack of diversity in Brisbane’s night-time offerings.

Popular Brisbane venue The Zoo will officially close on July 8, with its 32-year reign as a leading live music spot brought to an end by rising operating costs that couldn’t be offset by a vigorous post-Covid return.

Closure of The Zoo came on the heels of the cancellation of major music festivals such as Groovin the Moo and Splendour in the Grass, further highlighting the struggles within Australia’s music industry in 2024.

The Premier has announced a new night life commissioner to save the flailing industry.