Legislation

Protecting the community from ticket scalping is a key objective of the Major Events Act 2009, and is designed to ensure fair and equitable access to Victoria’s major events.

Overview

The Major Events Act 2009 replaced the Major Sporting Events Act 2009 on 1 June 2018, expanding protections against ticket scalping. The updated legislation allows cultural events such as theatre productions, concerts, gallery exhibitions, and festivals to be declared as ticketed events, ensuring broader consumer safeguards.

The Act is designed to prevent consumers from being priced out of major events by limiting resale prices and regulating ticket sales practices.

Key Provisions

• It becomes an offence to resell or advertise a ticket for more than 10% above its face value when the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events declares an event protected under the legislation.
• Amendments made in 2022 introduced additional safeguards:
  • Authorisation for ticket package sellers – Only sellers authorised by the event organiser can offer tickets bundled with goods, items, or services.
  • Advertising requirements for resales – Individuals reselling tickets to declared major events must include specific details in advertisements, such as:
    • Seating details
    • Face value price of the ticket
    • Intended resale price

These changes further strengthen protections, ensuring consumers receive clear and fair information when purchasing resale tickets.

For more information, visit, legislation.vic.gov.au (Major Events Act 2009) or contact the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions at fairgo.forfans@ecodev.vic.gov.au

Authorised Ticketing Officers

Authorised Ticketing Officers (ATOs) are empowered under the ticket scalping provisions of the Major Events Act 2009. ATOs have enforcement powers equivalent to those of police officers under the Act. Their primary role is to support Victoria Police in ensuring compliance with the legislation and monitoring illegal ticket resales.

ATOs have the authority to issue infringement notices for breaches of ticket scalping laws, with penalties ranging from $1,018 to $610,530, depending on the severity of the offence. For serious or repeated offences, ATOs may initiate legal proceedings against offenders.