ICC Media statement regarding Sexfest
Published on 02 October 2025
Events such as Sexfest are regulated under local laws, which include specific requirements for events in the form of permits.
Decisions on permits can only be made based on the requirements of local laws, and cannot consider grounds that are not included in a local law.
In this case, there is no provision of any local law, or in Queensland law, for a refusal to be made because the event may not meet undefined community standards.
Council is currently considering the application by event organisers. If council rejects or conditions the application, it must be able to show its decision is consistent with local laws and relevant Queensland laws. Similarly, if approved the conditions would also need to address issues relevant to assessment of the permit against local laws.
Were the event to take place, it would be expected to operate in accordance with the information provided in the permit application, and any conditions that may be applied to a permit.
Permit conditions are enforceable by council compliance officers.
Background:
This table breaks down relevant government jurisdictions in relation to the Sexfest proposal, including matters of Council interest in the event of complaints.
|
Subject
|
Ipswich City Council
|
Queensland Government
|
Federal Government
|
Comments
|
|
Traffic
|
✔
|
✔
|
-
|
Local law requires operator to address potential nuisance impacts from event.
|
|
Waste
|
|
-
|
-
|
Local law requires operator to address potential nuisance impacts from event.
|
|
Noise
|
✔
|
-
|
-
|
Local law requires operator to address potential nuisance impacts from the event. If it is determined event will have a potential noise impact above the requirements for outdoor entertainment events under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, an acoustic management plan will be required.
|
|
Environmental impacts
|
✔
|
-
|
-
|
Local law requires operator to address potential nuisance impacts from event.
|
|
Public indecency and sexual activity
|
-
|
✔
|
-
|
Temporary Entertainment Event licence does not address. Queensland Police Service enforceable.
|
|
Drug and alcohol use
|
-
|
✔
|
-
|
Temporary Entertainment Event Licence does not address. Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) accountable. Where a liquor licenced premises provides sexually explicit entertainment they are required to have adult entertainment permit.
Possible involvement of QPS depending on circumstances
|
|
Criminal behaviour
|
-
|
✔
|
-
|
Temporary Entertainment Event Licence does not address. Queensland Police Service enforceable.
|
|
Food safety
|
✔
|
-
|
-
|
In Queensland, local councils are responsible for issuing licences and permits for temporary food stalls, catering or mobile businesses, to ensure the highest quality standards are used.
|
|
Toilets
|
✔
|
-
|
-
|
Local law requires the operator to ensure that adequate ablution facilities are supplied.
|
|
Temporary structures
|
✔
|
-
|
-
|
Local law requires the operator to ensure that any temporary structures are secure and if required have engineering certification.
|
|
Fireworks
|
#
|
✔
|
|
#Council can consider the amenity impacts of fireworks but does not regulate fireworks themselves, or the operations of persons and companies licensed for fireworks.
|
|
Laser light shows
|
#
|
|
✔
|
#Council can consider the amenity impacts only.
|
|
Drone/aerial activities
|
-
|
-
|
✔
|
Council does not regulate the operation of drones.
|
|
First aid and medical services
|
✔
|
✔
|
-
|
There will potentially be limited requirement for SES, or ambulance services to be standby for this event.
|
|
Event security
|
✔
|
-
|
- |
If security is required, the local law will require the operator to ensure that professional security staff at the event is provided.
|
|
Crowd control
|
✔
|
-
|
- |
If crowd control is required, the local law will require the operator to ensure that professional security staff at the event is provided to control crowds.
|
|
Rides/jumping castles
|
-
|
✔
|
-
|
Local law requires the operator to ensure that any rides/jumping castles are secure and if required have engineering certification.
|
|
Site entrances/exits
|
✔
|
-
|
- |
Local law requires the operator to ensure that a traffic plan is provided that identifies site entrances and exits.
|
|
Parking
|
✔
|
-
|
-
|
If a parking plan is required, the local law requires the operator to provide details.
|
|
Emergency access
|
✔
|
-
|
- |
Local law requires the operator to ensure that an emergency plan is provide that identifies emergency access.
|