The Australian government is considering a proposal to introduce an Information Standard for ticket resale, which would enforce the secondary market to clearly inform consumers.
The proposal, which has been welcomed by industry body Live Performance Australia (LPA), would require resellers to list the face value of tickets, as well as ensure they indicate that they are not primary sellers.
LPA, the peak body for Australia’s live performance industry, represents commercial producers, music promoters, major performing arts companies, independent producers, festivals, and service providers such as ticketing companies and technical suppliers.
LPA chief executive Evelyn Richardson said: “Better informed consumers are the first line of defence against dodgy online ticket resellers. Too many fans have fallen victim to shonky online reselling sites, and the proposed Information Standard is an important step in tackling the problem at source.
“Our Members support an Information Standard that provides consumers with timely and clear access to accurate information about what they are buying and the source of their tickets.
“This includes highlighting they are buying from a ticket reseller and not the authorised ticket seller.”
The Information Standard is currently under consultation by the Australian Treasury Department. The LPA said it made a number of suggestions in its submission to clarify and improve some of the technical aspects of the proposal.
Richardson added: “The Information Standard will be just one tool in the battle against scalpers and shonky resellers. It will need to be backed up by effective compliance and enforcement by our state and territory consumer agencies.
“The new standard will need to be observed by those who operate resale sites in our market, including Viagogo which has previously been the subject of action by the ACCC over their misleading practices.”
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