Music industry asks to sit on drug panel

The music industry is urging Gladys Berejiklian to include it in a panel advising the government on drug-related deaths at festivals.

The peak music body in NSW wants a seat on the expert panel the premier has created to advise the government on how to prevent drug-related deaths at festivals.

The panel was established a week ago after two people in their early 20s died and three others were taken to hospital in a critical condition during the Defqon.1 music festival in Penrith.

In an open letter to Gladys Berejiklian published on Monday, MusicNSW says any attempt to address concerns about drug use at festivals can't be effective without including the industry in the conversation.

"We are focused on ensuring live music and entertainment is a positive and safe experience for everyone and the recent deaths due to drug use are heartbreaking and deeply troubling," it said.

"Please do not shut us out of this important part of the discussion ... our expertise, experience, skills and research can assist you."

The three-person panel consists of the NSW police commissioner, the state's chief medical officer and the chair of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.

A spokesman for the premier suggested it wasn't about to be expanded.

"The expert panel ... will be consulting with the music industry to ensure its voice are heard," a spokesman said.

"This is an important process and we welcome input from MusicNSW and all of its member organisations."


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Published 24 September 2018 4:32pm
Source: AAP


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