Canberra’s after-dark businesses need leadership and more support from government, an Assembly committee has found. Photo: SolStock.
The ACT should have a Night-Time Economy Commissioner, based on similar roles in NSW and Queensland, a Legislative Assembly committee has recommended.
The role, previously rejected by the ACT Government, and a Night-Time Economy Activation Strategy are two of 28 recommendations from the Standing Committee on Economics, Industry and Recreation.
The inquiry, launched in response to concerns that pubs, clubs and other after-dark venues were struggling to survive, received 22 submissions.
The committee’s report said the main criticism businesses and industry groups had was how confusing and complex it was to deal with government agencies, with one submission calling it the ‘Multi-Agency Maze’.
Witnesses felt this lack of coordination had reduced focus and strategic direction for Canberra’s night-time economy.
Nightclub operator Josh Dotta said that he routinely had to deal with up to 10 separate government agencies.
“There needs to be someone to be able to speak for us, to be able to consolidate all the venues that are having the issues, to identify what the big issues are, then be able to put action in. We have had this night-time ministry now since October or November last year, and I have not heard ‘boo’ from it.”
Then Night-Time Economy Minister Tara Cheyne acknowledged that the current settings did not reflect how the sector actually functioned, and that coordination across government could be sharper.
The committee recommended that the ACT Government establish a representative Night-Time Economy Advisory Group to support the new commissioner and undertake genuine, timely, and meaningful stakeholder consultation before making significant policy decisions that affect the viability of the night-time economy for businesses.
It said the commissioner should explore developing a coordinated and streamlined regulatory framework to improve how businesses engage with government and help them navigate red tape.
The Activation Strategy would support venues through a precinct activation program with coordinated promotions to encourage and support a wider range of events.
This would be year-round activation across the city and cultural centres, encouraging an “always-on” environment rather than relying solely on one-off or temporary pop-up events.
The committee found that the rollout of entertainment precincts across Canberra had stalled, limiting the ability of town centres to meet the needs of their growing populations.
Independent Thomas Emerson has been calling for a Night-Time Economy Commissioner since the election. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
It identified a lack of leadership, clear timelines and infrastructure, planning and investment to support viable town centre precincts.
The government should establish entertainment precincts in Woden, Tuggeranong, Belconnen and the future Molonglo Town Centre, with investment in major developments coordinated to include entertainment and cultural use.
The committee recommended that the government develop and publish a Town Centre Entertainment Precinct Roadmap by September 2027; consider expanding the City Renewal Authority’s remit to guide the planning, delivery and activation of entertainment precincts across the city; and establish another body to cover areas outside the CBD.
Other recommendations covered improving access, including parking and public transport, such as reinstating the City Loop free bus service, and expanding it to the Parliamentary Triangle and late-night bus services on weekends.
The committee also called for a comprehensive review of the liquor licensing fee framework, including benchmarking against NSW, to reduce regulatory burden and foster business innovation while minimising risk and harm.
It said government could offer more incentives to businesses to feature live music and use local artists.
The government should also do more to support businesses affected by the light rail work in the city.
Independent MLA for Kurrajong Thomas Emerson has welcomed the report, saying he had been calling for a Night-Time Coordinator or Commissioner since the 2024 election campaign, and in May 2025 sent a letter co-signed by MusicACT and a range of local venues calling for the Night-Time Economy Minister to establish such a role.
Mr Emerson’s supply-and-confidence agreement with the Chief Minister also contains a commitment to “implement a night-time economy support package that revitalises Canberra’s dining, bars, events and arts scene”.
He said the ACT Government needed to play a more proactive role in supporting the activation and diversification of Canberra’s night-time economy.
“Local venues and creatives need a champion within government whose job is to work collaboratively with them to enliven our city at night,” Mr Emerson said.
“It’s important for this role to be filled by someone with serious industry experience who can move quickly to make things happen and address roadblocks rather than adding another layer of bureaucracy to the slow-moving beast of government.”
Mr Emerson said the report offered the government a roadmap for significantly enhancing the social, cultural and economic life of our city after dark.
