Taylor Swift tour given ‘major event’ status in Victoria in bid to foil ticket scalpers

Decision comes as passes for singer’s 2024 Eras tour in Australia are being resold for more than $3,000

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The Victorian government has taken steps to prevent scalpers from reselling sought-after Taylor Swift concert tickets at exorbitant prices.

The state minister for tourism, sport and major events, Steve Dimopolous, announced on Tuesday afternoon that the pop star’s 2024 Eras tour, which includes two concert dates at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, would be now designated a “major event”, which activates a number of restrictions under Victoria’s anti-scalping laws.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup