Another music festival cancellation shows the effect of over-policing on the music festival industry.
Announcing yesterday the cancellation of the Rock in Rio festival, organisers pointed to the user pay system.
The User Pay system forces festival organisers to bear the cost of police presence and the deployment of drug detection dogs.
Festival organisers pay for attendance by NSW Police who subject attendees to humiliating and intimidating strip searches.
The prevalence of strip searches can deter festival attendance.
Along with the cost and other factors, this contributes to the cancellation of events like Splendour in the Grass and Rock in Rio.
Redfern Legal Centre Police Accountability Solicitor Sam Lee said:
“These cancellations not only impact the cultural fabric but also deal a blow to the local economy.
It’s imperative to end the practice of excessive policing targeting young festivalgoers.
We need to create a safer environment and help ensure the survival of the music industry.
By prioritising the safety and well-being of attendees and adopting a more balanced approach to security, we can ensure that music festivals continues to flourish.
