Soaring Oasis Ticket Prices Fuel Debate as Minister Pledges to Tackle Dynamic Pricing

Members of British rock band Oasis pose for photos ahead of a concert, in Hong Kong, on Feb. 25, 2006. Lo Sai Hung/AP Photo

The much-anticipated release of tickets for Oasis’ Melbourne concert has left fans both excited and frustrated as they faced steep price increases, prompting a government reaction.

Many took to social media to vent their dissatisfaction with what some described as “crazy” pricing.

Initially advertised at $140, ticket prices quickly surged to $180, and some fans reported prices climbing to $250 for upper-tier seats.

One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Did anyone get pre-sale Oasis GA tickets in Melbourne that weren’t $330?”

This trend of rapidly fluctuating ticket prices reflects the impact of dynamic pricing, a practice that adjusts prices based on demand.

Concert goers across Australia are no strangers to this tactic, which has become prevalent for high-profile events.

Some see it as a logical response to popularity, but many, like Luke in Dundon, who spoke about his experience in Brisbane, say it makes entertainment unaffordable for regular people.

He remarked: “There’s a bit of outrage around dynamic pricing. It feels unfair—people can’t afford to go to concerts anymore.”

Government Response to Dynamic Pricing

Amid the public outcry, the Albanese government is moving to address what they consider “unfair trading practices” under the Australian Consumer Law.

Stephen Jones, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, announced plans to crack down on dynamic pricing and similar practices that hurt consumers.

“A lot of these online ticket sellers and businesses have engaged in sharp, tricky practices. We’ve made a firm decision to crack down on it,” said Jones.

This move is part of a broader initiative aimed at protecting Australian consumers from unfair pricing tactics, including subscription traps and drip pricing, where hidden fees unexpectedly increase the final cost.

Jones explained that the government’s new laws would target a wide range of industries, including ticket sellers and streaming services, to ensure more transparent pricing for consumers. The assistant treasurer said the government’s updated consumer law would tackle businesses that engage in such pricing strategies, which have burdened Australians with unnecessary costs.

“Whether it’s concert tickets, gym memberships, or subscription services, we’re going to crack down on these practices that rip Australians off,” Jones added.

Dynamic Pricing and Consumer Concerns

Dynamic pricing isn’t unique to concerts—it’s increasingly affecting various industries, including travel and retail.

The practice, which allows companies to adjust prices in real-time based on supply and demand, has left many consumers feeling powerless.

Critics argue that it exacerbates the financial strain on Australians, especially amid rising cost-of-living pressures and inflation.

Concert tickets, once accessible for many, are now subject to unpredictable hikes, making it harder for ordinary people to attend their favourite events.

Daniel Wild, Deputy Executive Director of the Institute of Public Affairs, noted that while consumers bear the brunt of these price increases, they are not the only ones affected.

Wild highlighted that dynamic pricing, coupled with ongoing high levels of migration, is contributing to Australia’s housing affordability crisis and broader economic challenges.

“These practices aren’t just limited to tickets—they’re part of a larger issue affecting Australians in every aspect of life,” said Wild.

ACCC’s Fight Against Pricing Abuses

This controversy over ticket pricing echoes recent legal actions taken by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The ACCC has been actively pursuing major retailers such as Coles and Woolworths for misleading pricing practices. Last month, these supermarket giants were sued for engaging in deceptive behaviour related to surcharges and discounts, which misled consumers.

The government’s upcoming reforms also tie into the plan to scrap debit card surcharges, another frequent source of consumer frustration. If it goes per the plan, the removal of these fees is set to take place by 2026. However, when asked why it will take government so long to implement, Jones said.

He said the delay is necessary to ensure small businesses, who often pass these fees on to customers due to pressures from banks and payment networks, are not unfairly burdened.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is currently conducting a review to assess the true cost of providing payment services, including the profit margins banks and card networks gain from surcharges.

The government hopes that by understanding these factors, they can create a system that balances consumer protection with business sustainability.

“We want to ensure that when we remove these fees, small businesses aren’t left holding the bill while consumers are protected,” said Jones.