Media release – Sarah Courtney, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, 4 November 2021
Falls Festival statement
The Tasmanian Government has been a proud supporter of the Falls Festival for many years, and we acknowledge the decision by the organisers to not return is disappointing for many Tasmanians.
We have engaged closely with the organisers of Falls Festival through Events Tasmania in recent months, and we understand that this hasn’t been an easy decision for them following the impact of the pandemic on their business.
I would like to thank Falls Festival for their investment in Tasmania over the last 17 years, which has attracted thousands of visitors to the State and provided a boost to Tasmania’s summer economy.
The Government is continuing to engage closely with the events and hospitality sector, which we know has faced many challenges due to COVID-19, and look forward to future Summer events and concerts across Tasmania.
Tasmania has a track record producing home-grown talent, and fostering unique and popular events.
We look forward to continuing to maximise opportunities for our highly talented local musicians, and other local businesses, such as food vendors, which allow us to have such a vibrant event sector.
Media release – Rebecca White MP, Shadow Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, 5 November 2021
Broken Liberal promise leaves Tasmania without Falls
The Falls Music and Arts Festival at Marion Bay is no more after the Liberal Government failed to provide the necessary funding.
Shadow Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events Rebecca White said Falls was a rite of passage for young Tasmanians and one of the state’s most loved festivals.
“People right across Tasmania have fond memories of the Falls Festival and it is incredibly disappointing that it has come to an end,” Ms White said.
“During the recent election campaign, Premier Peter Gutwein said he would support the festival and despite his government finding funding for countless sporting events, they have failed to secure this iconic arts festival.”
Ms White said Labor first brought Falls to Tasmania and it was sad the event organisers had decided they no longer had the government’s support to continue.
“Attending a camping New Year’s Eve music festival is a tradition for many Tasmanians and young people are right to feel let down by Peter Gutwein’s broken promise.
“Events like Falls are part of the fabric of our state, vital to our arts community, a boost for local economies and a rite of passage for many young Tasmanians.
“The government should get to work now on securing an alternative so Tasmanians can once again look forward to bringing in the new year at a world class music festival.”
