Tasmania to trial 50% rebate on live music spending
The Tasmanian government is set to pitch a live music rebate scheme to Canberra, days after the collapse of a major Hobart hospitality operator left more than 80 workers jobless and shut seven venues across the city.
Acting premier Bridget Archer will write to the federal government proposing a Tasmanian Live Music Excise Rebate Pilot, under which participating venues would be reimbursed 50 per cent of their verified spending on live performers and related costs, Pulse Tasmania reports.
"This initiative would support the hospitality industry and back Tasmania's live music scene," Archer said, adding that the scheme would scale with investment.
"Tasmanians love live music and they love their local pub – this proposal is about supporting both."
The proposal follows the collapse of Pub Banc Group into voluntary administration on Monday, a move that forced the immediate closure of seven venues: the Republic Bar in North Hobart, Cargo Bar, Jack Greene, Post Street Social, Observatory Bar and Franklin Wharf. Outdoor seating at Cargo was reportedly stripped back within hours of administrators being appointed.
Director Ian Vaughan pointed to escalating food, beverage, utility and insurance costs, alongside changing consumer spending patterns, as drivers of the collapse.
"Every reasonable option was explored with the aim of protecting jobs, preserving the businesses and maintaining the contribution our venues make to the community," he said.
Registered liquidator Adam Johnston of Hobart-based Apex Advisory has been appointed voluntary administrator, with managing director Tim Booker now searching for a buyer for the shuttered venues.
The fallout has been felt keenly in the live music community. Mark Brudenell, of local tribute act Australian Made, has performed at the Republic Bar since around 2008 and says the room is irreplaceable. "It is the only venue that I can think of that's totally set up for music and it's also compact," he said, warning the city risks losing dedicated live music spaces altogether. "We need culturally a place where people can go and have a beer or a wine, chill out and listen to some live music from some live acts."
Archer said the rebate model is designed to reward venues that invest more heavily in live performance. "More live music means more people through the door, more customers in town, more activity in our regions and more opportunities for local businesses," she said.
Jonathan Jackson, 15th July 2026
