NSW Government to create new Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport

In a move to bring together key leisure sectors including sport while refocusing the arts, hospitality, tourism and the night-time economy portfolios, the NSW Government has announced the creation of a Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport

Rolling Venues NSW, the NSW Institute of Sport and the Office of Sport into elements of the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade portfolio, the new Department will, according to NSW Minister for the Arts and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham “support the Government’s commitment to cultivating thriving creative industries and night-time economies across the state.

“The Department will oversee the state’s first arts, culture and creative industries policy. This is a key framework for investment in the creative industries and our vibrant cities agenda – creating more equitable places to work, live and play.

“Empowering our creative industries, unlocking our night-time economies and focusing on experience tourism will bring economic, social, and cultural benefit to communities across the state. This in turn creates greater employment across a range of sectors - and more economic activity across a greater proportion of the day.”

While the Office of Sport and its agencies will move from sitting in the Premier’s Department, Investment NSW and the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer will move into the area of the Premier’s direct responsibility.

Commenting on the change, NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper noted “(this) Government has been clear on our goal to cement Sydney and NSW as the premier destination of the Asia Pacific.

“In bringing these agencies together we can line up sporting and entertainment offerings that drive economic outcomes for our local economy.”

Referencing the lifting of the concert cap at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium, Minister Kamper added “lifting the concert cap is a fantastic example of what is possible. This policy alone is set to deliver over $1 billion in local economic activity and increase Venues NSW revenue by as much as $210 million over the next 10 years, whilst also delivering opportunities for our local artists.”

The changes come after the NSW Government last week announced machinery of government changes that it says will bring the management of unsolicited investment proposals back to the Premier’s Department.

The changes will come into effect on 1st July.

Image: Robbie Williams performs at Sydney's Allianz Stadium.