What we do
At the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner we work with other government partners, local councils, industry and the community to build vibrant, diverse, inclusive and safe hospitality and entertainment precincts.
We seek to enhance both the economic output of the state and amenity for residents and tourists alike.
We aim to do this by improving the conditions for flexible day and night trading. In so doing the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner makes a positive contribution to the desirability of NSW as the best global location to live, work, play and invest.
We seek to integrate planning and placemaking, diversify night-time activities, promote industry and cultural development, improve safety, mobility and connectivity and change the narrative around CBDs across NSW.
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner is part of the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.
To find out more about our programs, and how we collaborate with business, communities and government, see our Topic pages, 24-hour economy in NSW
Meet our 24-Hour Economy Commissioner
Michael Rodrigues is NSW's first ever 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, having been appointed in April 2021.
In December 2023, the Commissioner's role was made statutory, and the Office's remit was expanded from Greater Sydney to all of NSW. In the role, Michael leads the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner in NSW Government and is responsible for delivering the NSW 24-Hour Economy Strategy.
Michael has been a passionate and vocal advocate for NSW's 24-hour economy for many years. He launched global lifestyle brand Time Out in Sydney in 2007 and served as Managing Director until 2021.
Motivated by the challenges facing Sydney's night-time economy, Michael also founded and chaired the Night Time Industries Association from 2018 to 2021, which played a critical role in overturning the lockout laws.
24-Hour Economy Advisory Council
The 24-Hour Economy Advisory Council will support the new strategy and expanded statewide remit of the office.
The 24-Hour Economy Advisory Council helps the NSW Government implement the 24-Hour Economy Strategy and support the expanded statewide remit of the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.
The Advisory Council helps to:
- create an enabling regulatory environment where businesses can invest
- develop vibrant, coordinated precincts
- increase the diversity of night-time activities
- position Sydney and NSW as a global 24-hour economy.
Members are appointed for a minimum two-year term by the Hon. John Graham MLC, Minister for the Night-time Economy and Music after a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
Applications are assessed by a selection panel comprising the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner and senior representatives from Hospitality and Racing NSW and the State Library of NSW.
The Advisory Council meets quarterly in-person. Meeting dates for 2025 will be communicated directly to members.
- James Boyce, Grumpy Sailor Studios
- Anthony Byrne, United Workers Union
- Naysla Edwards, American Express
- Michael Gibb, Night Time Industries Association
- Sofia Gibson, City of Wollongong
- John Green, Australian Hotels Association NSW
- David Harding, Business NSW
- Serena Hardwick, Business NSW
- Libby Harris, City of Sydney Council
- Lucy Joseph, Live Music Office
- Carolin Lenehan, Business Events Sydney
- Matt Levinson, Committee for Sydney
- Gemma Lloyd, Sacred Country Consulting
- Paula Maling, First Nations Media Australia
- Joe Muller, MusicNSW
- Beau Neilson, The Vanguard
- Ash Nicholson, CBRE
- Todd Pinkerton, Unions NSW
- Aileen Robalino, City of Parramatta
- Karl Schlothauer, House of Pocket | YCK Laneways | Independent Bars Association NSW
- Jane Slingo, VibeLab | EMC
- Elliot Solomon, Solotel
- Alicia Talbot, Blacktown City Council
- Alison Tehan, ClubsNSW
- James Thorpe, Odd Culture Group
- Natalie Turmine, Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA)
- Phillip Wadds, UNSW Sydney
- James Winter, Brand X Productions Incorporated
More information
To find out more about our programs, and how we work with business, communities and government, go to 24-hour economy in NSW.
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