Keep Sydney Open is now an official political party

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Keep Sydney Open is now an official political party

Keep Sydney Open, the group pushing to reclaim the once thriving night-time culture in our city, have announced today that they are officially enrolled as a political party.

After a lengthy, 6-month wait, the confirmation from the NSW Electoral Commission has come through, and moving forward, KSO will be a legitimate party that will contest seats in both houses of Parliament at the 2019 NSW state election, with a focus on seats in the Legislative Council or ‘upper house’.

Speaking on the campaign in a press statement, Keep Sydney Open’s Tyson Koh said “This is bigger than a rally — way bigger. By putting lockout laws on the ballot of next year’s election, people now have a real choice and a course of action to rescind these laws, wind back the ‘nanny state’ and build a 24-hour city.

“For more than over four years, our group has represented every person who believes that lockout laws were a knee-jerk reaction. We see with our own eyes that these laws have devastated the both the night- time economy and reputation of what was once a vibrant international city.”

For those who need a catch-me-up on what the KSO campaign has achieved thus far, see below:

  • A 30-minute relaxation of lockout laws and cease of service times for music venues;
  • A pushback of bottle shop closing times from 10pm to 11pm across NSW;
  • A lifting of lockout laws for the Mardi Gras parade;
  • Changes to ‘small bar’ regulations; and
  • A turning of the state of Sydney’s nightlife into a mainstream issue

“We are the first party in NSW set up to address cultural and youth issues” writes Koh. “We feel cheated, and being locked out of social spaces as well as the housing market has led to a generation of disillusioned young adults.”

“We know that a confident and diverse nightlife is a safer and more welcoming. We advocate for a suite of interventions across transport, law enforcement, public health, creative industries, licensing and planning. An approach that respects data, expertise, genuine consultation, transparency and good governance will have a great impact on the day-time economy too.

“In short, we want to be proud of Sydney again.”

 

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