Liberals pledge $150M events fund

Victoria’s events industry could potentially score some major wins, depending on the outcome of the upcoming Victorian State election.

The Liberals and Nationals have pledged to enact an enhanced Victorian Events Strategy, including the establishment of Events Victoria, a new body dedicated to supporting, developing and promoting Victoria’s event industry.

The proposed strategy also includes a new $150 million Local Events Attraction and Development Fund to assist local communities to run local festivals, shows, entertainment and business events, as well as a new $10 million business event attraction package.

Other initiatives put forward by the Liberals and Nationals include support for the enhancement of events workforce skills; a new industry-led ministerial taskforce with a direct voice to government; and the promotion of Victoria as a major, world-class exporter of event services.

Additionally, within its first 100 days in office, a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government would hold a forum with Victoria’s leading arts, sport and hospitality leaders to explore ideas to aid the recovery of the state’s visitor and event economy.

If elected, the party committed to assessing Victoria’s existing major conference, functions and events venues to determine if there is a need for a new or enhanced exhibition and conferencing complex.

A new, business-led Victorian Major Events Company is also on the cards to help restore Melbourne and Victoria’s reputation as the events capital of Australia, with a focus on securing more, and better, set-piece events.

Victoria’s events industry employs around 70,000 people, runs more than 12,000 events a year and contributes over $12 billion per annum to the state’s economy.

To read the party’s full policy agenda, click here.