Ticket Tussle Advocacy Grows National Anti-Scalping Laws Taylor Swift's Australian Tour

Taylor Swift, a popular American singer-songwriter, is all set to embark on her Australian Tour in late 2021. However, her tickets are already sold out, and this has led to an increase in ticket scalping. Ticket scalping means purchasing tickets for an event and then reselling them at a higher price, often causing the tickets to sell out within minutes of their release. This has led to a significant outcry from fans who were unable to purchase tickets at their regular prices, and many individuals and organizations are now advocating for anti-scalping laws to be implemented nationwide.

The Growing Advocacy for Anti-Scalping Laws

In the past, it considered scalping a common practice and was even legal in many areas. However, it has now become a significant issue, especially with the growth of online ticket reselling platforms. Fans are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase tickets at regular prices, and this has led to a rise in fraudulent activities that exploit fans for profit. As a result, there is now significant advocacy for anti-scalping laws to be established nationwide.

Impact of Ticket Scalping

Ticket scalping affects not only fans but also artists, companies, and the economy as a whole. Scalpers often purchase tickets in bulk and then inflate the prices to make a profit, thereby reducing the availability of tickets for genuine fans who are willing to pay the regular prices. This leads to a decrease in the artist's popularity, as many fans are unable to attend their events and thus lose interest in their work. It also harms the economy, as resellers frequently purchase tickets in large quantities and then sell them for up to ten times the original price, leading to an inflation of ticket prices that harms both consumers and the economy. 

The Importance of National Anti-Scalping Laws

The implementation of anti-scalping laws would help to regulate the ticket resale market and prevent fraudulent activities. Such laws would seek to curtail the ability of resellers to buy and resell tickets at inflated prices. National anti-scalping laws would also ensure that tickets are more accessible to fans who genuinely wish to attend events while also protecting the artist's integrity and engaging with their audience appropriately.

Current Status of Anti-Scalping Laws in Australia

While some Australian states already have anti-scalping laws in place, these laws are not enforceable outside of their respective states. Additionally, the penalties for scalping are insufficient and often not severe enough to deter resellers from engaging in this activity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a national anti-scalping law to be implemented. Many fans and music enthusiasts are pushing for the government to establish such laws in Australia ahead of Taylor Swift's Tour.

Advocacy Campaign

Several advocacy groups are already pushing for anti-scalping laws to be established in Australia. Some of these groups include the Music Council of Australia and the Australian Live Performance Council, which both support the introduction of a national law that makes scalping illegal.