The Minns Labor Government will offer international touring acts discounts on stadium venue hire – if they agree to add an Australian support act to their NSW shows.

Dubbed “Michael’s Rule”, the policy offers promoters a $20,000 reduction in venue hire fees at major venues like Accor Stadium, Allianz Stadium and the SCG, and $5,000 off at the Sydney Opera House, if they book at least one Australian act to perform on the same stage and be announced at the same time as the international headliner.

The initiative honours the late artist manager Michael McMartin, whose career included managing the Hoodoo Gurus and advocating for local bands to be included on major tours. It aims to give emerging and mid-tier Australian musicians the career-changing exposure of opening stadium shows, while also rebuilding the state’s live music scene.

Photo © Rik Nz/Unsplash

Premier Chris Minns said the move was about “giving Aussie artists their first big break” in front of large audiences, with the hope it would help propel them to international recognition.

“We want more Australian musicians to have the opportunity to perform on the biggest stages in NSW alongside the best international...