The cancellation of Juicy Fest and Timeless Summer has sparked calls for tighter regulations to protect consumers after ticket holders were left out of pocket, with creditors owed over $2.4 million.
Speaking to state-funded media, promoter Brent Eccles criticised the current system where ticket companies transfer funds directly to promoters before events take place, leaving little recourse for refunds if a promoter goes into liquidation.
Eccles advocates for a model where funds are held in trust until the event occurs.
Minister of Commerce Scott Simpson acknowledged the issue and expressed disappointment at the lack of refunds, while the Commerce Commission investigates.
Consumer advocates warn that without legislative changes, similar incidents could continue to erode trust in the entertainment industry.
Image credit: Hanny Naibaho
