NSW Government to get tough on ticket scalpers?

With Grand Finals approaching NSW Government Ministers have this week met with representatives from major sporting codes and industry stakeholders to discuss the consumer impact of ticket scalping.

Explaining the meeting NSW Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts stated "sport makes a huge contribution to the NSW economy and the sporting codes believe scalping is detrimental to both the code and the consumer.

"Tickets which would have otherwise been purchased by fans at face value can sell for several times their actual cost simply because scalpers have acquired tickets purely for the purpose of profiteering and price gouging.

"There is a strong argument to protect the consumer from scalpers who prey on a person's passion for their sport or sporting team."

Representatives from the National Rugby League, Australian Rugby Union, Football Federation Australia, Cricket Australia, Australian Football League, Tennis Australia, ANZ Stadium, Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust all attended the roundtable.

Issues discussed included:

• Multiple tickets sales
• Control of the secondary market
• Comparative legislation in other jurisdictions
• Proposals to protect consumers from unscrupulous on-sellers
• Options for legitimately redeeming unwanted tickets.

NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley added that the discussions were "extremely positive with stakeholders agreeing ticket scalping is an issue that needs to be addressed.

"This is not about protecting the financial interests of large commercial sporting organisations as they receive their money no matter who buys the tickets, but all codes feel a genuine responsibility to protect their fans from being ripped-off or becoming the victims of fraud.

"It was agreed ticket scalping legislation in other states has merit but could be improved."

Minister Roberts said the roundtable was a first step towards determining the best way to address this issue in the public interest, concluding "with Grand Finals just around the corner, consumers should be aware that tickets sold by scalpers may breach the terms and conditions of sale and may be cancelled. The best way to guarantee entry into an event is to buy from licensed ticket outlets."

Image: ANZ Stadium.

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