Matthew Mason-Cox, LIB MLC

The Coalition recognises the need for the POPE provisions to be changed so that owners of facilities that can offer opportunities to these artists are not dissuaded from providing live entertainment... ..I also place on record the Liberals-Nationals thanks to people who have spoken up on behalf of performers.

The Hon. MATTHEW MASON-COX [5.02 p.m.]: Before the debate was interrupted for questions without notice, I was referring to the importance of the place of public entertainment [POPE] provisions under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Bill, provisions the Opposition would support if they were not part of a bill that we cannot support at this point. I referred to the proclivities of Government members and their interest in a range of Australian musical talent in their younger days. I think the Minister for Roads reflected on the Cockroaches and a few other bands. Casting my eye over the people in this Chamber, I think the Hon. Ian West would be a closet AC/DC fan. At that time a number of bands got their start in the pub and club circuit. Their appearance in such environments was seen as a rite of passage in a very competitive industry. The provisions in the bill certainly have that in mind.

I note that the Labor Government made changes to the planning laws more than 10 years ago that effectively destroyed the opportunities for artists to perform in those venues, which was a great shame. Whilst the provisions of the bill seek to repair the damage caused by this Labor Government on this issue, for the reasons I mentioned earlier and for a wide range of other reasons the Opposition cannot support it. Unfortunately, the move by this Labor Government to amend the POPE provisions are about 10 years too late and at a great cost to the vibrancy of our State and the potential careers of many bands, soloists or acts that have previously relied on such venues for their livelihood.

The Coalition recognises the need for the POPE provisions to be changed so that owners of facilities that can offer opportunities to these artists are not dissuaded from providing live entertainment. The Coalition regrets that support for the POPE provisions was not specifically stated in the lower House when members were stating their overall concerns about the broad planning issues in the bill. However, I have the approval of the shadow Minister to absolutely confirm the Opposition's commitment to addressing the failings of the Labor Party's previous planning changes. In the event that this bill is defeated in the Legislative Council, the Opposition makes it clear that it will work with representatives of the arts community, particularly those whose livelihoods have been destroyed by the Labor Party planning red tape, to bring about the necessary changes through a bill to be introduced by the Liberals-Nationals.

I also place on record the Liberals-Nationals thanks to people who have spoken up on behalf of performers. A number of people have written to the shadow Minister, including Paul Joseph, Craig Scott, Andrew Brown and John Wardle. Indeed, I note that Paul Joseph is meeting with the shadow Minister tomorrow to discuss this important issue. However, it is unfortunate that Mr Wardell apparently misunderstands why the Opposition has to oppose the overall bill. However, it is extremely supportive of the central concerns to ensure a rejuvenation of opportunities for artists to perform in New South Wales.