Regulatory Roadshow Rolls Into Sydney

October 31, 2023 | Government

SYDNEY, NSW, Australia (October 31, 2023) — Hospitality & Racing’s fourth Regulatory Roadshow has rolled into inner Sydney, with industry leaders coming together at the famed Sydney Cricket Ground to engage with senior executives from the government regulator.

More than 110 representatives from pubs, clubs and the racing industry met with key staff on October 30 to discuss the issues affecting them and hear the latest on the NSW Government’s regulatory priorities.

As well as gaming reform, participants were eager to engage with the executive and 24-hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues about the NSW Government’s plans to reenergise the state’s nightlife.

This includes the proposed Vibrancy Reforms, announced on October 19, which aim to foster the return of music, live performance and local street activities in NSW.

Hospitality & Racing Acting CEO Tarek Barakat said the Moore Park roadshow offered local business owners an opportunity to engage in direct and open dialogue with his executive staff and ask questions about the issues most affecting them.

“We have now wrapped up four roadshows across NSW, with executive members from Hospitality and Racing NSW on hand to answer questions from more than 460 people in Newcastle, Bathurst, Fairfield and Central Sydney,” he said.

“It’s such an exciting time for the industry and through direct interactions with industry members, we have gained some valuable insights into their preference for future discussions.

“We look forward to holding more roadshows, as we work to streamline licensing processes and implement evidence-based measures to reduce gambling harm in NSW.”

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the event highlighted the need for this regulatory reform, which aims to reinvigorate NSW’s nightlife.

“The NSW Government’s proposed Vibrancy Reforms will remove unnecessary red tape and provide operators across the industry with a clearer path forward,” he said.

“It was great to hear directly from a range of industry representatives about their needs to further enhance Sydney’s night-time economy.”

The Moore Park Regulatory Roadshow was the fourth in a series of roadshows featuring a range of speakers, interactive panel discussions and information booths about NSW Government’s services.

Hospitality and Racing will be holding a final roadshow for the year in Kiama, taking place in November.

Activate UTS – Aerial Function Centre Venue and Event Manager Warwick Jones attended the Newcastle roadshow in May and decided to participate again in the Sydney event.

“The roadshow has helped prepare us for major festivals like SXSW Sydney,” Mr Jones said.

“With the knowledge gained through the roadshow, we reached out to Hospitality Concierge, which gave us crucial support for a seamless experience.”

First time attendee Tilley & Wills Group Operations Manager David Thompson decided to register for the Regulatory Roadshow after reading about it in the Liquor & Gaming NSW newsletter.

“Attending the roadshow allowed me to make the right contacts and stay updated on industry trends,” Mr Thompson said.

“It also helped me prepare my own questions and follow up with regulators later to get the right information for our business.”