‘Repay The $1 Million’: Greens MP Continues Crusade Against Labor and Superstruct-Owned Fests

Greens politician Cate Faehrmann has fired another shot at Superstruct and the Minns government over a financial lifeline extended to music festival operators facing hard times.

Earlier, Faehrmann, a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council, questioned the awarding of taxpayer-generated support for Sydney’s Listen Out and Field Day, operated by Fuzzy Operations,  and now owned by Superstruct Entertainment.

Those brands were among the first round recipients of the Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund, established by Sound NSW to prevent the state’s network of music festivals from falling into a heap.

Faehrmann isn’t happy with Superstruct Entertainment’s connection with KKR, whose track record she says “includes investments in weapons systems and surveillance technology, including some which have supported the Israeli government’s actions.”

The private equity giant last year acquired Superstruct, the live entertainment giant with a portfolio of more than 80 festivals, many of which operate in Europe and the UK.

Faehrmann has more to say on the matter, and wants the Fund cash returned.

The Fund was established in September 2024 to prevent events from going the way of Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, Groovin’ the Moo and others, which have been crushed due to a combination of ticket buying behaviours, inflation, insurance, freight costs, currency exchange, wild weather and other factors.

Following a vetting process, several events were approved, including Listen Out and Field Day, plus Bluesfest, Yours and Owls, and Lost Paradise.

Reps for Fuzzy say everything was above board.

“The Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund has enjoyed broad political support — including from The Greens — for its vital role in sustaining NSW’s live music industry,” reads a statement from a Fuzzy Operations spokesperson, provided to TMN.

“As Minister John Graham confirmed last week, Fuzzy has acted entirely within the rules.”

The message continues, “We remain committed to supporting the local music scene by investing in festivals that generate millions for the NSW economy and provide essential income and jobs for hundreds of local artists and suppliers.”

As TMN reported at the time, the Fund offers support to existing large-scale contemporary music festivals (with a 15,000 capacity or greater) with a track record of delivering significant outcomes for contemporary music, that support then trickling down to assist with costs relating to talent, suppliers and more.

The package works in combination with reforms to the Music Festivals Act, designed to reduce costs and prioritise health considerations in festival planning.

Following Faehrmann’s provocative remarks to parliament, which she shared on her socials, state government and the festivals industry roundly rejected her message. 

“This grant decision went through a rigorous assessment process by Sound NSW,” commented Graham, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, in a statement to TMN.

“Our music festival sector is really struggling, so we’re surprised to see the Greens attacking it based on a tenuous link to the parent company of a parent company.”

Added Olly Arkins, Managing Director of the Australian Festival Association: “We welcomed the funding and are confident the NSW Government followed all proper processes to deliver investment that keeps our festival scene thriving for artists, fans, and the broader economy.”

TMN has reached out to reps from Superstruct and the Minns government for response on Faehrmann’s latest remonstration.