Victorian Government targets Melbourne International Comedy Festival ticket scalpers

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been declared a major event in a bid to beat ticket scalpers.

The Victorian Government has declared the Melbourne International Comedy Festival a major event in a bid to beat ticket scalpers.

“We want Victorians and those visitors from interstate and overseas to enjoy the Comedy Festival without getting ripped off,” Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said.

“We’ve got to give police and our authorised officers every power in our armoury to try to prevent (scalping).”

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The declaration, under the Major Events Act 2009, will make it possible to crack down on ticket scalpers.

Under the legislation, tickets to a declared major event cannot be advertised or resold for more than 10 per cent above the original value.

Mr Pakula said new authorised ticketing officers will support Victoria Police in enforcing the new law and prosecuting ticket scalpers. Penalties can range from $806 up to $483,500 depending on the nature of the offences.

He added: “The Melbourne International Comedy Festival should be accessible for everyone. That’s why we’re making sure comedy lovers can access tickets at a fair price.”

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, which runs from March 27 to April 21, is the third largest comedy festival in the world.

It attracts up to 770,000 people each year, making it Australia’s largest ticketed cultural event.

Festival director and CEO Susan Provan said scalpers often target high-demand shows by popular acts like Wil Anderson and Dave Hughes.

Comedian Fiona O’Loughlin said the artists should determine ticket prices, not scalpers or resale sites.

“It shouldn’t be decided by some vagabond out there,” O’Loughlin said.

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