City of Sydney Set To Review Busking Rules After Performers’ Backlash

The city’s once-bustling streets have fallen quieter in recent weeks as new busking rules frustrate Sydney performers. The City of Sydney has announced it will review its controversial changes after facing widespread backlash.

Under the revised busking code, performers are restricted as to where and for how long they can play.

Only six spots remain along George Street, between Circular Quay and Haymarket. Whereas Pitt Street Mall and Town Hall, once buzzing with street artists, now share a single location.

Each performer is allowed one hour per day on a first-in basis.

Before the changes, buskers could perform anywhere in the city as long as it was safe. Many performers described the new limits as ‘disappointing,’ warning they could hurt both their income and audience engagement.

Street performers have been a fixture in Sydney since the late 1800s, with the 1960s and ’70s seeing a golden era of street singers inspired by pop music.

In an Instagram post, Lord Mayor Clover Moore confirmed the Council will revisit the policy.

“Over the last couple of weeks I’ve heard all of the feedback from buskers and their supporters following the City’s August 25 updates to our busking policy and code,” she said.

“Unfortunately, communication with the busking community was not as clear as it should have been, which understandably led to confusion and frustration. Just four buskers provided feedback.”

 

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The Council’s upcoming review aims to increase opportunities, including adding more spots on George Street and allowing low-impact buskers to perform for more than one hour at suitable locations.

Transdev, which operates the George Street light rail, will also be consulted on busking rules in Sydney to assess safety implications.

“This review should fully consult Sydney’s busking community, including through social media and face-to-face meetings, and provide opportunities for buskers to suggest new busking sites and changed arrangements,” Moore said.

“Any future amendments will undergo a second round of consultation to ensure clear communication and opportunities for feedback. “We’ll carry out this process with the aim of increasing busking opportunities as soon as possible,” Moore added.

The review comes after the city’s updates interpreted as a ‘busking ban’, which prompted heavy backlash from street performers, highlighting tensions between public amenity, pedestrian flow, and cultural activity.

The Council has not detailed specific reasons for the initial cuts beyond balancing these factors.

As the review gets underway, the City of Sydney hopes to restore Sydney’s streets to their lively music-filled atmosphere while keeping public spaces safe and accessible.