25 Australian music festivals cancelled since 2022 due to rising costs, extreme weather, and excessive regulation.

Music festivals in Australia are facing a "perfect storm" of rising costs, extreme weather, and excessive regulation, according to event organisers in a Senate hearing. More than 25 festivals have been cancelled since 2022, and insurance premiums have increased by as much as tenfold, with operational costs rising by up to 40%. The hearing is examining the national cultural policy, a five-year plan by the federal government to revitalize the arts sector introduced in 2023.