BRISBANE, Queensland, Jan. 17 -- The Queensland Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Published Yesterday at 10:53 AM

Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth

The Honourable Sam O'Connor

Expert panel to revitalise Queensland's night-life economy

* Crisafulli Government appoints expert panel to dial up Queensland's night-life economy * Panel to be chaired by former Powderfinger bassist John 'JC' Collins * Crisafulli Government's economic focus is music to the ears of industry

Queensland's vibrant nightlife has received a major boost, with the Crisafulli Government appointing an expert advisory panel to dial up the state's night-life economy.

The panel will be chaired by Queensland's Night-life Economy Commissioner, Mr John "JC" Collins AM, and discuss ways to enhance the safety and vibrancy of the State's night-life economy.

The panel includes live music venue operators, event promoters, hotel and club representatives, performers, academics, charities and Safe Night Precinct workers from across our state.

The panel will consider a range of issues relevant to the success of late-night economies across Queensland, including economic and business operating conditions, regulatory settings, workforce, transport and safety.

Mr Collins, widely known as JC, is a former bassist for Brisbane band Powderfinger.

These days, he's a music venue operator who has been tasked with encouraging the growth and sustainability of the tens of thousands of businesses which drive the industry.

His work will aid state and local government decision-making on ways to support the sector, providing jobs for Queenslanders, as well as ensuring locals and visitors can have a great night out, wherever they are in the State.

The panel is expected to meet for the first time in February 2025.

Ministerfor Youth Sam O'Connor, who is responsible for the nightlife economy, said the advisory panel comprised experts covering all aspects of Queensland's night life.

"I'm confident this panel will be able to work with JC to build on the nightlife economy that already exists," Minister O'Connor said.

"It's no secret many businesses, including small and family operators in this sector have gone to the wall, and thousands of others are doing it tough, having struggled to survive the COVID pandemic only to be hit with the cost-of-living crisis,"

"We need to start work now to ensure our nightlife is pumping when Queensland is on the world stage in 2032. The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring the Commissioner is properly supported and the sector and government are in tune with each other.

"Queensland is known around the world as a holiday mecca - an exciting and vibrant nightlife is an essential part of that.

"I look forward to the innovative ideas and recommendations that I know JC and this advisory panel will put forward to get our nightlife sector thriving."

Night-Life Economy Commissioner John "JC" Collins AM said he was excited to work with the panel and amplify strategies to boost the state's nightlife economy.

"I've lived the nightlife economy for most of my life - from being a teenager interested in music, to helping form Powderfinger, and now as a venue operator.

"I know that in this panel we have experts from all the different aspects of this sector.

"I'm confident that between us we can develop some amazing strategies to have it marching to a new beat, and at the same time boost resilience and sustainability."

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Caet Young 0427 939 326

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The full panel of members are:

John Collins (Chair)

Co-Owner, Fortitude Valley Music Hall

Lindsay Carroll

Acting CEO, National Retail Association

Jackie Cross

Director, Cross Promotions

Director, Experience Gold Coast

Charlie Cush

CEO, Brisbane Festival

Kelly Egan

CEO, Clubs QLD

Aunty Bridget Garay

Art and Cultural Consultant

Bernie Hogan

CEO, QLD Hotels Association

Naomi Price

Co-Founder, The Little Red Company

Jacinta Reddan

CEO, Advance Cairns

Tim Richardson

CEO, The Ville Townsville

Kris Stewart

CEO, QMusic

Dr Dominique De Andrade

Griffith University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Peter McHoney

CEO, Chaplain Watch

Sharynne Wilson

Co-owner, Moffat Beach Brewing

Max McBride

President, Taxi Council Queensland

Andrew Baturo

Head of Hospitality, Dap & Co

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.