Sydney looks to change the way its busking works

The City of Sydney is calling on musicians, performers, residents, businesses, music industry representatives and government agencies to help review the city’s busking policy.

Currently, buskers have almost free reign to pay a small fee (a three-month permit is $13) to busk on City of Sydney land, but the city is looking into ways to bolster its policy.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “We’re looking for more ways we can support these musicians and performers, which may involve working with other government agencies to simplify busking permits, introducing a busking ‘code of conduct’ to help buskers know their rights and responsibilities, and offering buskers professional development opportunities like workshops and seminars.”

Among the topics up for review are setting noise decibel limits, hosting auditions for high-traffic areas and sought-after spots, skill development projects and promotion.

A discussion paper focused on refining how the City approaches busking will be adopted unanimously by Council on Monday. For now though, the City has asked the community to participate in the process. Over the next two months it will be developing its support of busking with the public’s help.

Head here to download the paper and contribute to the conversation.