WA releases its first Night-Time Economy Strategy, with live music measures front and centre
The Cook Government has released Western Australia’s first Night-Time Economy Strategy, with a package of live music proposals that includes a push for local artists to be given support slots on international tours.
Announced on Friday 9 October by Premier Roger Cook and Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk, the strategy covers businesses operating between 6pm and 6am, from music venues, bars and restaurants to festivals, sport, tourism and retail. The government says the night-time economy supports more than 140,000 jobs and generated about $23 billion in turnover in 2024-25.
On live music, the strategy points to stronger requirements for local artists to support major international acts touring the state, noise reform to protect music venues from neighbour complaints, a sound attenuation grant program, more night-time precincts and stronger regional touring networks. It also flags late-night public transport, liquor licensing reform and more alfresco dining as areas to explore.
The strategy is a framework rather than a funding announcement. An action plan with priorities through to 2029 is still to be developed, and no funding amounts have been released.
WAM CEO Owen Whittle welcomed the direction, noting that about two-thirds of Perth’s music venues have closed or stopped hosting regular live music over the past decade. He backed the noise reform and said the chance to play alongside high-profile international acts would be a major career opportunity for local musicians. The Australian Hotels Association WA also praised the strategy and called for the focus to move quickly to practical reforms and an action plan.
Northbridge became WA’s first Special Entertainment Precinct in September 2025, but the government has proposed lowering the noise limit from 90 to 79 decibels between 2am and 5am on weekends, and after midnight on weeknights.
This is comparable to the noise within a loud restaurant or traffic noise.
The City of Perth voted on 10 October to ask the state environment department for further assessment of the impact on late-trading music venues. Operators say most venues currently run above 90 decibels and fear the change could become a template for Fremantle, Scarborough, Hillarys and Mandurah. A government spokesperson has said the current Northbridge limit will stay for now.
The ALMBC will be watching closely for the action plan, particularly how the support act proposal and the noise settings are designed, and whether they come with the funding needed to keep music venues trading.
