Promoters Lobby Over Police Fees

A group of promoters is “secretly lobbying” the New South Wales Government to intervene over the cost of mandatory use of police officers at music events, Australian media reported Sept. 2.

The police force collected A$8.5 million ($7.65 million) from user-pay revenue at festivals and concerts.

Promoters argue that the costs are not only passed on to consumers, but are incomprehensible.

Documents cited Chugg Entertainment paying a $30,000 fee for a crowd of 1,800 in the regional town of Dungog and the same price for a Sydney show by Coldplay to 50,000 fans.

Soundwave festival paid a $70,000 police fee at its Sydney show last year when 20 people were arrested, as well as $100,000 this year when there were no incidents.

Police Association President Scott Weber responded, “This is not about profit, it’s about public safety.”