NSW Conflict of Interest and Vacancy Rules for the Sound NSW Advisory Board

Sound NSW Advisory Board Bill 2025

18 Mar 2025: Passed by Parliament and signed off by the governor.

This bill kicks in: TBA

Legislative Council

Legislative Assembly

Assent

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Topics

advisory boards board governance conflict of interest contemporary music industry creative industries

Introduced by: The Hon John Graham MLC (ALP)

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Official page: bill text and explanatory notes

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

The Sound NSW Advisory Board is established to advise the Night-time Economy Minister on the contemporary music industry
The Night-time Economy Minister must appoint a chairperson and between 8 and 11 other members
Board members must disclose any financial interests that conflict with their duties
Members with financial interests cannot join deliberations or decisions on that matter; the Night-time Economy Minister or Board can override this
Board members are not personally liable for actions taken in good faith
A member's seat becomes vacant if they resign; are removed by the Night-time Economy Minister; or are convicted of a crime punishable by 12 months or more in prison
A member's seat becomes vacant if they miss three consecutive meetings without an excuse

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Kevin Anderson NAT

“I note at the outset that the Opposition supports the Sound NSW Advisory Board Bill 2025 and has moved amendments in the Legislative Council regarding the make-up of the board. The bill seeks to legislate a board for the New South Wales Government’s contemporary music agency.”

Official source →

Donna Davis ALP

“I speak in support of the Sound NSW Advisory Board Bill 2025. I thank the member for Tamworth for his contribution, but I also note that electro music does not just come from Enmore. It is more likely to come from Mount Druitt and Western Sydney these days. The member should take note of where the heart of music is now moving to.”

Official source →

Jenny Leong GRN

“I contribute to debate on the Sound NSW Advisory Board Bill 2025. I acknowledge that when we talk about the support for music and live music in this place, we actually have multi-partisan support, not bipartisan support. I love that the New South Wales Labor Government is seeking to rewrite the story of the past and be the champion of live music in this State.”

Official source →

Julia Finn ALP

“As outlined in my opening remarks, the bill will legislate the Sound NSW Advisory Board to advise the Minister on the strategic direction of the contemporary music industry in New South Wales. In legislating the Sound NSW Advisory Board, the Government will ensure the role of the existing board is formalised and maintained into the future.”

Official source →

News articles and press releases

Sound NSW Advisory Board Bill 2025

Ms JULIA FINN, Member for Granville — 2025-02-19

this bill seeks to legislate the Sound NSW Advisory Board, its membership requirements and functions. The board will consist of a chairperson and at least eight and no more than 11 members appointed by the Minister. The bill sets out composition requirements, including requirements for the board to have regional, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, community radio and artist representation. These build on requirements in the existing board charter and will ensure that the board reflects and taps into the diversity of the contemporary music industry across the State. Other appointees will include those with skills or experience that the Minister considers relevant to the functions of the board.