AFL and Government at odds
WEDNESDAY’S Anzac Day AFL blockbuster should be the last time ticket touts cash in on unsuspecting fans. But the AFL is dragging its feet on making the clash off-limits to scalpers. Will the state government step in?
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE AFL and state government are on a collision course over moves to make the Anzac Day footy blockbuster off-limits to ticket scalpers.
With new Victorian legislation aimed at ticket touts expected to be passed soon, the Andrews Government is keen for this year’s AFL finals and next year’s Essendon-Collingwood clash to be “declared events’’.
It would make it illegal for anyone to sell tickets to the games for more than 10 per cent above face value, and threatens fines of between $790 and $475,000.
RELATED CONTENT: SCALPER CRACKDOWN IN VICTORIA: NEW LAWS TO PROTECT SPORTS FANS
GOOGLE LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE TICKET SELLING RULES
TOM ELLIOTT: FOOTY TICKET SCALPING IS SIMPLY FREE MARKET AT WORK
But despite some tickets to tomorrow’s sold-out game being advertised for more than $299 online, AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said declaring next year’s match was not on the league’s radar.
“This has not been something we have considered for the Anzac Day match, due to the ability of club members and supporters to access tickets for the game,’’ he said.
Asked how footy fans could avoid being ripped off when matches were at capacity he said: “The AFL’s advice to supporters at all times is they should only purchase tickets through an official sales outlet, as any other point of purchase may not guarantee that tickets are legitimate and could be refused admission.’’
Essendon and Collingwood’s Anzac Day blockbuster is traditionally the biggest home and away match of the AFL season, regularly selling out to the public and drawing more than 90.000 fans.
Fans duped into buying fake or overpriced tickets online have been turned away at the gate in recent years with little recourse.
Sports Minister John Eren said that was why the government was pushing for next year’s Anzac Day clash to be declared.
“Our legislation will make a big difference for all Victorians — better protecting fans from being ripped off and providing more power to crack down on scalpers,” he said.
“We look forward to its passage and working closely with event organisers to determine future declarations in the coming months.”
If passed in the Upper House when Parliament resumes early next month, the Major Events Legislation Amendment could become law about three weeks later.
Under the proposed changes, the Sports Minister can “declare” an event through written notice to an event organiser, who will have 14 days to argue why a match should not be off-limits to scalpers.
The AFL Grand Final is currently the only major event “declared” in Victoria.
The government is yet to confirm which events will be the first “declared” if the legislation is passed.
The Australian Open tennis and upcoming theatre spectacular Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are among those likely to be added to the list.
MORE HERALD SUN NEWS:
MELBOURNE GROWTH SUBURBS: DOZEN NEW SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT
‘Angels’: Hero Coles workers save mum’s life
A mother of three has opened up on how her life was saved after she suddenly collapsed while doing a routine supermarket shop.
Wildlife and traffic fears over music festival
Wildlife advocates fear a weekend music festival in central Victoria will endanger native animals including rescued joeys.