Decision details

Moved by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Arkins –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         the Sustainable Sydney 2030-2050 Continuing the Vision strategy, specifically: Direction 7 - Resilient and diverse communities and Direction 8 - A thriving cultural life;

(ii)        the City of Sydney’s Cultural Strategy 2025-2035, which celebrates multiculturalism, the expression of identity, shared experiences, and aspirations of its diverse and multicultural communities;

(iii)       the NSW Government’s recent report by the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission, Review of regulatory barriers impeding a vibrant 24-hour economy, Final report, which highlights that the 24-hour economy contributes $56 billion (annually) and employs more than 300,000 people across NSW, and vibrancy reforms that seek to make nightlife inclusive and more welcoming for everyone;

(iv)       that on 6 September 2025, Sydney Hip Hop group OneFour, who have 2.5 million listeners each month on Spotify, gave their first headline performance at the City Recital Hall;

(v)        that over the past 10 years, significant police pressure has led to the cancellation of multiple shows making it difficult for the group to participate and contribute to Sydney’s 24-hour economy;

(vi)       that despite police pressure, there have been no major incidents involved with OneFour shows;

(vii)      in the history of performances at the City Recital Hall, there has never been a police and security presence consisting of:

(a)        more than 25 police officers;

(b)        Dog Squad;

(c)        Riot Squad; and

(d)        identification and body search of every patron; and

(viii)    over-policing at live music venues perpetuates negative perceptions of people and increases the risk of harm to patrons, and discourages young people from coming into the city to experience culture;

(B)       the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the City Recital Hall team and OneFour congratulating them on an incredibly professional and inclusive delivery of the performance;

(C)       the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, asking her to explain both the rationale of the excessive policing of the OneFour show at the City Recital Hall and the associated cost to tax-payers; and

(D)       the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the Minister for Transport, the Arts, Music and Night-time Economy, John Graham, to request a consistent approach to vibrancy.

Carried unanimously.

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