Senator Lundy has expressed her concerns over the safety and security of young people attending rock concerts after the tragic death of 15-year-old Jessica Michalik in a crowd surge at the Sydney’s Big Day Out last month.
In a speech to the Senate last night, Senator Lundy expressed her continued support for Big Day Out style festivals but stressed that promoters and organisers of large-scale music events have a legal and moral obligation to ensure every step is taken to ensure the safety and security of crowds.
“The Big Day Out has become a cultural institution in Australia, and, along with events like Homebake, it is a very important part of the music festival scene as well as being a launch-pad for local music and talent,” Senator Lundy said.
“I do not want to see an end to these music festivals. That said, it is very important that the tragic death of Jessica Michalik not be dismissed as just an unfortunate accident.
“The only positive outcome that may emerge from the Big Day Out tragedy is that there be an immediate reorganisation of crowd control and security at these concerts otherwise such as accident could happen again.
“To their credit, Limp Bizkit quit the Big Day Out tour immediately after Jessica’s injuries became apparent. Their decisive action ensured that safety came to the forefront in the media treatment of Jessica’s death.
“In the US there is a rock concert safety code of practice, and it is time we considered a similar approach.
“It is unacceptable and downright dangerous not to have free and ample supplies of water easily and readily available. Simply spraying a crowd with water is not good enough,” Senator Lundy said.
Senator Lundy urged all music venue and concert organisers to think carefully about their responsibilities and duty of care under the relevant state occupational health and safety legislation and associated public liabilities.
“I continue to welcome and encourage under-age concerts, youth festivals and music festivals of this type, but I do take this opportunity to caution organisers to not put their profit margins first.
“They need to make a priority the safety and security of the young people and, in fact, all people attending the concerts that are their responsibility.
“For so many young people in particular, these concerts are a social highlight, a very special event in their lives, and there is absolutely no reason that they should be putting their health at risk by attending them,” Senator Lundy said.
On behalf of Federal Parliament Senator Lundy offered deepest sympathy to the family and friends of 15-year-old Jessica Michalik.
Members of the public who want to send their condolences to Jessica’s family and friends can do so by visiting the JJJ Big Day Out website.
23/01. Media contact: Simon Tatz on 02 6277 3334 or 0418 488295
