The ‘agent of change’ principle is the idea that the party who changes the status quo, that is, they are the agent of the change, is the one responsible for dealing with any problems that arise. For example, if units are built next to an existing music venue, the owners are responsible for sound proofing them, rather than the venue having to take action.
In August 2014 the Victorian Liberal government announced a planning document called Live Music Action Agenda, and it was very well received by the music community. Find it here (pdf)
On the document:
- Coalition Government established the Live Music Roundtable.
- Alcohol-free underage and mixed-age live music events on licensed premises no longer require a permit Live Music Noise Attenuation Assistance Scheme to be made available in 2015.
- SEPP N2 Discussion Paper released for consultation on issues of noise regulation with detailed review and new regulations to be completed by 2016.
- Introduce legislation to require the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation to consider the agent of change principle when dealing with noise complaints.
- Finalise planning Particular Provision and Practice Note and introduce into the planning system.
- Introduce building reforms to reduce regulatory burden on venues less than 500 square meters in size.
Reading
Developers required to pay for sound-proofing against live music venues under new planning principle – ABC News
New rules to protect live music (The Age)
However…
The agent of change regulation needs to be strangthened – it applies to new planning permits but not to an individual who moves in near a pub and starts complaining. See…
Music industry celebrates implementation of Agent of Change principle APRA AMCOS
SLAM Victorian politics page
Change of government
Labor regained power in the election at the end of 2014 – they had made great election promises regarding live music, so now (early 2015) it remains to be seen how it all pans out. See the following for info on their election promises:
Victorian State Election: Labor rocks out on music – The Age 3/11/2014
Labor music policy 3/11/2014
Background
These regulations have been a long time coming. They were first proposed at government level in 2003, see Live Music Task Force 2003.
Then in 2010, an agreement was signed between the State Government (Labor), Liquor Licensing Victoria, Music Victoria, SLAM and FairGo4LiveMusic, on October 6. It is mostly about removing the link between music and violence on liquor licenses.
It also includes the following, about noise complaints and the ‘agent of change’:
Consultation and discussion will continue between the Government and Music Victoria to progress other longer term goals regarding the promotion of live performance, such as:
Recognition and implementation of the agent of change principle during 2011 […]
Here’s the agreement: Agreement regarding live music venues (pdf)
and here’s an article about the agreement and noise complaints: Planning protection music to an industry’s ears
