Ticket scalping legislation to restrict the resale of event tickets will be introduced to state parliament in Western Australia later this week.
The new laws apply to all ticketed events in Western Australia. They will allow consumers to resell tickets, but for no more than 10 per cent of the original sale price. They will also prohibit the use of software designed to dodge security measures on ticket selling websites.
The introduction of these laws will give the Commissioner for Consumer Protection the power to enforce anti-ticket scalping measures, which up until now have been difficult to police. Breaches of the provisions will see individuals fined a maximum of Aus$20,000 (£11,283/€12,756/$14,466) and companies a maximum of Aus$100,000.
It is expected the legislation will come into effect next year. Commerce and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston said in a statement: “For too long, Western Australians have been ripped off by ticket scalpers or missed out on seeing their favourite performers or major sporting events because of fraudulent tickets.
“This Bill provides more transparency for those purchasing from a reseller as tickets advertised for resale must include the original price of the ticket and identify the location of the seat or viewing spot for each ticket.
“At a national level, we will continue to work with the Federal Government to address broader issues such as tickets sold by online ticket resale providers such as Viagogo.”
Speaking to the Perth Now website, Johnston said Western Australia has decided not to follow legislation introduced in Victoria, which only relates to designated major events such as the finals of Aussie rules football league the AFL.
Instead, the government has opted for a broader approach, similar to new anti-scalping laws in New South Wales and South Australia. “Our legislation goes further in that it will capture a broad number of events where organisers have put a restriction on the reselling of tickets — not just declared events,” Johnston said.
“(The new laws) will apply to most outdoor concerts, most of the events at RAC Arena and the large events like AFL matches at Optus Stadium (pictured). This is to protect those large events that are often sold out.”
Image: Government of Western Australia
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