NSW anti-lockout group to run for politics

The organisers of Sydney's vocal anti-lockout group Keep Sydney Open are considering running for the NSW parliament in the 2019 election.

The organisers of Sydney's vocal anti-lockout group are considering running for NSW parliament.

Keep Sydney Open was formed in opposition to the NSW government's lockout laws for licensed venues and now the group's director Tyson Koh is asking the people of NSW to decide if the group should make a run for the NSW upper house at the 2019 election.

"We want to help in the most effective way that we can and so that's why we're asking you whether we should run for the senate at the next state election," Mr Koh said in a Facebook video, referring to the state's legislative council.

In the video, Mr Koh refers to the group's achievements since forming which he says include getting a half-hour exemption for some venues to stay open later across Sydney, extending the opening hours of bottle shops across NSW and allowing small bars to serve "fine malt whiskeys" without any mixers.

But, he notes their efforts haven't changed "the big problem".

"NSW is broken and sorely lacking in innovative fresh ideas that put people first instead of developers and big business," he said.

"Business confidence is at an all-time low in Sydney and also we're still the laughing stock of other cities around the world."

He insists the group will change more than lockouts and will tackle issues such as planning laws, corruption, over-development and the value of arts and culture in NSW.

The group is asking supporters to register as members so it can reach the 750 required to form a team.

A day-to-night festival will be held in Darlinghurst on October 21 from 3pm for Keep Sydney Open supporters to join, celebrate and have their say about Keep Sydney Open's punt for state politics.


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Source: AAP



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