Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner
The night-time economy in NSW is set to become more dynamic and inclusive, addressing key market gaps to help the state grow as a more vibrant 24-hour city.
SGS Economics and Planning partnered with the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner (Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport) to comprehensively study NSW’s night-time workforce, contributing essential insights to the recently refreshed NSW 24-Hour Economy Strategy. While hospitality and entertainment often dominate discussions about the night-time economy, this research expanded the focus to include industries such as healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and IT, all operating through the night.
The project mapped out the distribution and proportion of night-time workers across the state, identifying which industries are most active during these hours. Beyond employment data, the study explored the challenges the night-time workers face in accessing vital services, such as transport, retail and healthcare, during unconventional hours. The findings will help the government identify areas for improvement to better support these workers in meeting their everyday needs.
SGS also conducted case studies on international 24-hour precincts to complement the local analysis, offering valuable insights into global best practices and policies that improve nighttime operations. These insights contribute to informing future strategies aimed at fostering a more inclusive, efficient, and dynamic 24-hour economy in NSW.
