Sydney Easter Show boss says rap crackdown isn’t a ban

Police Minister Yasmin Catley, who was sworn in on Wednesday, declined to comment on whether the steps were appropriate. A government spokesman said the new NSW government supports police efforts to keep the Easter show safe for all.

The new arts secretary, John Graham, said the safety of visitors must come first. “These are complex issues, so I hope we don’t use simple solutions, and that’s one of the things I want to talk to the music community and the police about while I’m in the portfolio,” Graham said.

The crackdown on music played at the carnival is part of a series of measures agreed by show organizers two months after last year’s show, Gilmour said, including a greater police presence, better lighting and more open spaces.

But Sydney hip-hop artist L-FRESH The LION said the music ban under discussion was “as ridiculous as it sounds” and would alienate the Easter show’s teenage audience.

“It shows a complete lack of understanding not just of the genre but of music in general and youth culture,” he said. “They just banned most of the top 40. There has been a major shift in popular music away from hip-hop lately.

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“Popular music is not the cause of violence, any more than popular cinema can be held responsible for individual acts of violence.”

NSW Council of Civil Liberties President Josh Pallas said it was an example of over-policing of marginalized communities. “In a way, it’s mind control because rap music is just another example of free speech,” he said.

“If the police have clear evidence of how this music helps recruit people into gangs, they need to be far more transparent and specific about it publicly. Show us the evidence.”

Deputy Police Commissioner Stuart Smith said Tuesday police have “all the evidence we need to establish that rapper music is being used to lure youth into a life of crime.”

with Linda Morris and Tim Barlass

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