Premier Steven Miles has announced he will appoint a Night Life Economy Commissioner – a new role to work closely with local businesses, live music venues, and entertainment precincts to create a vibrant and safe nightlife environment in Queensland.
The Premier confirmed the role will be supported by funding as part of the upcoming State Budget.
“I want to support and enhance our nighttime economy, which is why I’m announcing a new commissioner with this exact focus,” said Mr Miles.
“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.
“Queensland is already home to some of the best bars, restaurants, and live entertainment venues in the country and creating this role will only make it better.”
He said the new commissioner will work with industry to support, promote, and advocate for key aspects of the night life economy, with an emphasis on partnerships that encourage the growth, sustainability, and vibrancy of the diverse local businesses that underpin the sector.
“While Brisbane is a focus, the role is designed to bring positive change and economic growth to all our communities – whether that’s supporting a local pub in Toowoomba, a music festival in Cairns, or nightlife spots on the Sunshine Coast.”
Minister for Small Business, Lance McCallum said Queensland’s nightlife economy had always outdone itself on the national and international stage; boasting iconic live music venues, theatres, arts, entertainment, festivals, hospitality, night life and tourist activities that make our cities vibrant cultural hubs and economic powerhouses.
“We’ve all seen what happened to Sydney when the NSW Liberal Party choked their night-time economy beyond repair, only Labor has a real plan to keep our nightlife vibrant, grow night-time activation in communities, attract more visitors, create more jobs, and drive local economic outcomes,” he said.
“The Miles Labor Government’s new Night Life Economy Commissioner will work closely with industry to deliver the urgent action and investment necessary to keep Queensland’s nightlife economies safe and pumping.”
