NSW's government has finally updated the Music Festivals Act 2019 after widespread festival cancellations and critiques over police costs. Following a thorough review, they identified that a focus on harm reduction, industry sustainability, and cost management is crucial for NSW festivals to thrive.

The newly introduced Music Festivals Amendment Bill 2024 aims to tackle key issues like user-paid policing and insurance hikes. The language shift from "safety management plans" to "agreed health and medical plans" suggests a more health-focused approach, possibly paving the way for pill testing trials in line with other states.

Notably contentious terms like "subject festival" are omitted, addressing concerns of bias against dance events. The role of ILGA seems reduced with responsibilities moving towards NSW Health, indicating potential shifts in approval processes.

A music festival roundtable is proposed featuring members from Premier’s Department, Sound NSW, and Destination NSW—hinting at collaborative decision-making on event viability and costs.

While financial aid commitments haven't impressed all organizers—like Return To Rio—the government's emphasis on health could signal progressive changes ahead. As always, we're keeping our ears open for developments from Minister John Graham's office.