Byron councillors have stepped back from endorsing a controversial new busking policy that would require local buskers to fork out for public liability insurance.
The policy is now open for public submissions, and contains a clause requiring that buskers ‘provide documentary evidence that the applicant has obtained public liability insurance of a minimum $20 million’.
However, no councillor moved a motion to amend staff’s draft policy.
Instead, councillors removed their endorsement of the policy, and removed a line that stated it would automatically be adopted if no public submissions were received.
Regarding insurance, Independent Byron Councillor, Cate Coorey, told last week’s meeting that she could not find any other councils, including the City of Sydney, which had a similar requirement.
‘It’s punitive,’ Cr Coorey said.
‘We’re at a time now where many of the people busking on our streets are already strapped for cash, and if other Councils aren’t doing it, there’s presumably some other mechanism to indemnify them or find a way to manage it.’
Pushed by insurers
When questioned on the decision to include the insurance requirement in the policy, an unidentified staff member said it had been a requirement from Council’s insurance officer and insurer.
The following revealing exchange then took place:
Mayor: ‘Has it [the requirement] been in there in the past?
Staff member: ‘In the past, it was meant to be enforced, and we weren’t enforcing it.’
Mayor: ‘But it has been in the policy?’
Staff: ‘I don’t know if it was in the policy, but it was recommended… The insurance officer advised us that our insurer would advise it, which would suggest to me that our neighbouring councils would also advise it because they have the same insurer…’
Other items within staff’s draft policy include the requirement for passport-sized identification photographs to be displayed while busking, limiting busking groups ‘to a maximum of four performers’, and that ‘busking must not be repetitive in nature and must not result in offensive noise’.
‘I don’t want to say that we endorse the draft policy, because I certainly don’t do that,’ Cr Coorey said.
The matter will return to Council for a final decision after the public submission period has been completed.
We’ve all heard the stories of duelling banjos going out of control and killing spectators. I’m surprised Health and Safety doesn’t require buskers to wear helmets and life jackets while they ply their dangerous trade.
I don’t remember an insurance company being on the ballot sheet!
A line up of four excludes so many styles. Is the only acceptable form of music for the streets of Byron rock and roll? No jazz, no chamber??
Thank the Heavens that we have Cate Coorey on Council. Talk about trample on the heart, soul and voice of ALL music in the ‘beige going beiger” county that is Byron Shire! If ever a place needed music in the streets it is this beautiful place undergoing surgical removal of human/ecological spirit. From what era do these Council ‘music police’ come from? I urge everyone in the streets to sing SING SING when the urge comes upon them. Restore the human spirit…dance too if the urge is strong. UPHOLD THE FREEDOM OF ECCENTRICITY AND LOVE….which has always defined the relaxed and loving Byron.
There’s a cohort of annoying trust-fund kids in Byron Bay using $4000 PA systems making them ven louder than the pub bands. Sort that out council.
This is what Google’s Bard has to say about the subject.
Of course, “Bard may display inaccurate or offensive information that doesn’t represent Google’s views.”
Bard….
“Sure, I can help you with that.
There are a few councils and city authorities in Australia that provide a group insurance cover for buskers and street musicians public liability. These include:
* **City of Sydney:** The City of Sydney offers a group public liability insurance policy for buskers and street musicians. The policy covers up to $10 million in liability and costs $160 per year.
[Image of City of Sydney logo]
* **Brisbane City Council:** The Brisbane City Council offers a group public liability insurance policy for buskers and street musicians. The policy covers up to $10 million in liability and costs $180 per year.
[Image of Brisbane City Council logo]
* **Melbourne City Council:** The Melbourne City Council offers a group public liability insurance policy for buskers and street musicians. The policy covers up to $10 million in liability and costs $150 per year.
[Image of Melbourne City Council logo]
These are just a few examples of councils and city authorities that offer group insurance cover for buskers and street musicians public liability. There may be other councils or authorities that offer similar policies, so it is always best to check with your local council to see if they have a policy in place.
In addition to these group insurance policies, there are also a number of private insurance companies that offer public liability insurance for buskers and street musicians. These policies can be more expensive than the group policies, but they may offer more comprehensive coverage.
It is important to note that public liability insurance is not a legal requirement for buskers and street musicians in Australia. However, it is a wise investment, as it can protect you from financial liability in the event of an accident or injury.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.”