Victorian Government strengthens anti-scalping laws to make ‘bundling’ an offence

Fans at major events in Victoria will be better protected from scalpers under legislation that outlaws the bundling of tickets, which comes into effect today.

The Major Events Legislation Amendment (Unauthorised Ticket Packages and Other Matters) Act 2022 has made it an offence to advertise or sell a ticket package to a declared event without the written authorisation of the organiser.

Commenting on the amendments, Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula stated “we are providing more safeguards for Victorian sports, music and entertainment fans who love turning out to big events..

“These changes will help prevent fans from getting ripped off by dodgy operators and protect the integrity of our major events industry into the future.”

The new measures will guard against price gouging from unscrupulous operators who bundle tickets with a hospitality package, experiences or merchandise.

The Act will require event organisers of declared events to publish a register of authorised sellers of ticket packages, including their trading name and ABN, and make it an offence for a company or individual to falsely claim they are permitted to sell ticket packages on behalf of an event.

The legislation will provide protection for motorsport fans at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, with lights out at the iconic race in just over a week.

Amendments to the Major Events Act 2009 also deliver greater transparency for buyers of tickets through resellers. From today, resellers of all tickets to declared major events must state the face value, the asking price and the seat details of tickets in advertisements.

The new amendments also make it illegal to advertise for sale or sell a ticket to a declared event for more than 10% above the ticket’s face value.

Additional events that are currently declared under anti-scalping laws include the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the Anzac Day AFL clash between Essendon and Collingwood and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Since June 2018, 4,552 listings involving 20,649 tickets have been removed from reselling websites after intervention by authorised officers. Almost 70 infringement notices have been issued, including five related to this year’s Australian Open.

The Major Events Act 2009 provides for penalties ranging from $908 to $109,044 for individuals, and up to $545,220 for companies.

Victorians who suspect a scalping offence has taken place can make a report at djpr.vic.gov.au/ticket-scalping/report-an-offence, which will trigger an investigation by an authorised officer.

Image: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Melbourne's Princess Theatre. Credit: Daniel Boud.