If we weren’t already convinced that Sydney music and nightlife lovers aren’t happy with the current state of affairs surrounding recent lockout laws and damning legislation being doled out on venues throughout the city, Sunday’s Keep Sydney Open rally most definitely proved it.
While Art vs Science and Royal Headache performed live sets for the event, speakers at the rally included The Preatures‘ frontwoman Izzi Manfredi, current AMP Chairperson and Hoodoo Guru Dave Faulkner, Nina Las Vegas and Tyson Koh addressed the crowd passionately with words that raised enthusiastic responses.
Thousands joined event organisers, musicians and key speakers in the march through Sydney’s streets, championing the message this this reaction against the lockout laws isn’t purely about not getting into clubs or being able to score booze late at night. This reaction extends to the very real reality that many small business owners and creatives trying to maintain businesses and careers in Sydney – as the government continues to squeeze these laws wrapped around affected individuals, more jobs and livelihoods are put at stake.
As the AU’s Larry Heath said following the success of the Keep Sydney Open rally,
“No one who marched today thinks that violence is OK. This is about grown ups who want a government that doesn’t treat them like children. That treats all jobs equally. That acknowledges that 99.99% of people are not going to punch someone in the face. That serves us, not the casinos or the wealthy few. Yes, that takes safety seriously – but with no exception and not just because the Murdoch press tells them to. You know, like Melbourne does. Or *insert great city in the world here*. This isn’t rocket science. It’s how the civilised world is supposed to operate.”
“This isn’t just “millennials” speaking. This is all of Sydney. All races. All ages. Who have had enough of their businesses being closed. Their jobs lost. Their liberties taken away all for the actions of a few. Today they raised their voices, and we were proud to be among them.”
To find out more about Keep Sydney Open and to join in the cause, head here!
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