Melbourne events you’ll need a vaccine passport for

Vaccine passports will allow Melbourne to host major events in the future. These are the attractions supporting a no-jab, no-entry policy.

Business groups have joined arts and entertainment figures in calling for a vaccine passport, saying it would play a key role in giving Melbourne the best chance to host major events such as the grand final and Spring Racing Carnival.

Hospitality, arts, events and tourism sectors have thrown their support behind a no-jab, no-entry policy to allow venues to open as quickly as possible.

Legal framework around such a measure must be drawn up and publicly debated now, the figures say.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Victorian branch of the Australian Hotels Association and the Australian Industry Group back a vaccine passport, as do the Australian Ballet and major promoters One World Entertainment and Chugg Entertainment.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief Paul Guerra, events organiser TJ Carroll, and Save Victorian Events founder Simon Thewlis. Picture: Rebecca Michael

Live Nation Australia is interested in trialling initiatives that would require punters to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter its events.

It follows a Live Nation HQ announcement that all artists, crew and punters must show proof they are fully vaccinated or tested negative to COVID-19 at their US and UK events from October 4.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief Paul Guerra said a vaccine passport was needed to protect the state’s position as the events capital of Australia.

“The AFL grand final, Spring Racing Carnival and Bass Coast Festival of Motorsport are all

coming up fast and without a way to welcome crowds safely, Victoria risks losing its mantle as the food, cultural, events and sports capital,” Mr Guerra said.

“We must look at everything to protect the future of events, and vaccination passports can have a valid role to play.”

Last year’s grand final was held in Brisbane while the Melbourne Cup was run with no crowds.

Australian Hotels Association Victoria branch president David Canny said the association supported a passport but the legal framework needed to be very clear.

“If it means getting venues open and keeping them open – particularly close contact venues such as music venues – then we support it,” Mr Canny said.

“We see a vaccination passport as an opportunity to open up again and now is the time to get the legal framework in place.”

A vaccine passport could allow crowds at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Picture: AAP

The Australian Ballet also joined the push.

“Getting back on stage and performing live for our audiences is our priority,” Australian Ballet executive director Libby Christie said.

“It is clear to us that this goal is at risk until the majority of people, audiences and artists, are vaccinated. If theatres and venues introduce a “no jab, no entry” policy we would support this. “We will continue to advocate for people to get vaccinated.”

Simon Thewlis, of Save Victorian Events, said: “It’s simple; we need to look at everything that can get events happening again. A vax passport will probably be the difference between many events being viable, or not. It will help give events a level of certainty that people need to put their money down.

“Whether it’s a gathering of people for a conference, or thousands for a music festival — vax passports become the best option.

“We all know we can stage safe events. Vax passports may well be the difference in getting the government sign-off.”

Events boss TJ Carroll, who has worked in the industry for 20 years, says: “We need to open up again. If it’s vaccination passports, if it’s rapid testing — let’s do it. Why are we still sitting back? It’s 18 months later, and we’re still at the start line.”

Ms Carroll said the event industry was on its knees.

A vaccine passport or negative Covid-19 test may be our only way to see concerts. Picture: Ian Currie

“It’s not getting better for us. We were the first ones to cop it on D-Day, when the (2020 Australian) Grand Prix was pulled, and we have not been given one iota of support, and acknowledgment of what our industry does.”

Meanwhile, Ai Group chief Innes Willox said he expected the business community to support a no-jab, no-entry policy provided it delivered greater freedom and a wider opening of the economy.

“However, as with workplaces, it won’t be suitable for every venue and such approaches need to be viewed as very temporary,” he said.

Victorian Opposition leader Michael O’Brien said the state needed a plan to get out of lockdowns.

“As increasing numbers of Victorians are vaccinated they need to start seeing the rewards,” he said.

“It’s absolutely vital to start rebuilding our shattered economy as soon as possible.”

The opposition is backing the rollout of rapid antigen testing which can give results in 15 minutes.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has expressed support for the idea of a vaccine passport and thrown his support behind states such as Western Australia, which has introduced a no-jab, no- entry policy for visitors.

Countries including the US, France and the UK have introduced vaccine passports where proof of a jab must be shown in order to travel or gain entry to certain spaces.

Originally published as Melbourne events you’ll need a vaccine passport for