Expert panel to revitalise Queensland's night-life economy
- Crisafulli Government appoints expert panel to dial up Queensland's night-life economy
- Panel to be chaired by former Powderfinger bassist John 'JC' Collins
- Crisafulli Government's economic focus is music to the ears of industry
Queensland's vibrant nightlife has received a major boost, with the Crisafulli Government appointing an expert advisory panel to dial up the state's night-life economy.
The panel will be chaired by Queensland's Night-life Economy Commissioner, Mr John "JC" Collins AM, and discuss ways to enhance the safety and vibrancy of the State's night-life economy.
The panel includes live music venue operators, event promoters, hotel and club representatives, performers, academics, charities and Safe Night Precinct workers from across our state.
The panel will consider a range of issues relevant to the success of late-night economies across Queensland, including economic and business operating conditions, regulatory settings, workforce, transport and safety.
Mr Collins, widely known as JC, is a former bassist for Brisbane band Powderfinger.
These days, he's a music venue operator who has been tasked with encouraging the growth and sustainability of the tens of thousands of businesses which drive the industry.
His work will aid state and local government decision-making on ways to support the sector, providing jobs for Queenslanders, as well as ensuring locals and visitors can have a great night out, wherever they are in the State.
The panel is expected to meet for the first time in February 2025.
Minister for Youth Sam O'Connor, who is responsible for the nightlife economy, said the advisory panel comprised experts covering all aspects of Queensland's night life.
"I'm confident this panel will be able to work with JC to build on the nightlife economy that already exists," Minister O'Connor said.
"It's no secret many businesses, including small and family operators in this sector have gone to the wall, and thousands of others are doing it tough, having struggled to survive the COVID pandemic only to be hit with the cost-of-living crisis,"
"We need to start work now to ensure our nightlife is pumping when Queensland is on the world stage in 2032. The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring the Commissioner is properly supported and the sector and government are in tune with each other.
"Queensland is known around the world as a holiday mecca – an exciting and vibrant nightlife is an essential part of that.
"I look forward to the innovative ideas and recommendations that I know JC and this advisory panel will put forward to get our nightlife sector thriving."
Night-Life Economy Commissioner John "JC" Collins AM said he was excited to work with the panel and amplify strategies to boost the state's nightlife economy.
"I've lived the nightlife economy for most of my life – from being a teenager interested in music, to helping form Powderfinger, and now as a venue operator.
"I know that in this panel we have experts from all the different aspects of this sector.
"I'm confident that between us we can develop some amazing strategies to have it marching to a new beat, and at the same time boost resilience and sustainability."
