Independent Member for Kurrajong Thomas Emerson MLA has welcomed the release of a multipartisan Assembly Committee report recommending that the ACT Government establish a Night-Time Economy Commissioner – similar to existing roles in Queensland and New South Wales – and task the Commissioner with developing and delivering a dedicated Night-Time Economy Activation Strategy for Canberra.

Mr Emerson has been calling for a Night-Time Coordinator or Commissioner since the 2024 election campaign, and in May 2025 sent a letter co-signed by MusicACT and a range of local venues calling for the Night-Time Economy Minister to establish such a role. Mr Emerson’s supply-and-confidence agreement with the Chief Minister also contains a commitment to “implement a night-time economy support package that revitalises Canberra’s dining, bars, events and arts scene”. He said the ACT Government needed to play a more proactive role in supporting the activation and diversification of Canberra’s night-time economy.

“Local venues and creatives need a champion within government whose job is to work collaboratively with them to enliven our city at night,” Mr Emerson said.

“It’s important for this role to be filled by someone with serious industry experience who can move quickly to make things happen and address roadblocks rather than adding another layer of bureaucracy to the slow-moving beast of government.”

During public hearings for the inquiry, the then-Minister for the Night-Time Economy, Tara Cheyne, expressed an openness to the idea of a coordinator or commissioner role, despite the ACT Government’s submission opposing the policy. 

“I’ve never seen a Minister change their mind mid-inquiry based on the strength of evidence from witnesses,” Mr Emerson said.

“Stakeholders expressed overwhelming support for setting up a Night-Time Economy Commissioner, Coordinator or Manager. 

“It’s a credit both to those who participated in the inquiry for putting forward their views in a compelling way, and to the Minister for her willingness to engage with those views.

“I’m keen to see the Government respond positively to the clear and repeated calls for this position to be established, and to the range of other recommendations put forward by the Committee.”

Mr Emerson said the report had been shaped by the many community members and organisations who came forward with their views, experiences and ideas during the inquiry, and thanked his Committee colleagues for their work on the report.

“This inquiry was a great example of constructive engagement across party lines on an issue that’s important to our community,” Mr Emerson said.

“This report offers the ACT Government a roadmap for significantly enhancing the social, cultural and economic life of our city after dark.”

The Committee has also recommended that the ACT Government offer stronger support measures for businesses impacted by the ongoing light rail works in Civic, such as means-tested rent relief, which Mr Emerson has been advocating for since April 2025.

You can find the full report here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Will Devine | 0402 183 296 | [email protected]