BOCS ticketing upgrade will lead to improved services

25/10/01
Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale today announced plans to improve the services of BOCS Ticketing, instead of selling the State-owned agency as was planned by the previous Government.
"BOCS Ticketing will remain as the premier theatre booking service in Western Australia," Ms McHale said.
Purchasing tickets for performances at Perth's arts venues would become easier with the upgrade of BOCS Ticketing.
Ms McHale said the ticketing service upgrade would provide the public with direct online selling through the Internet and online credit authorisation.
Upgrading the system to the latest version would commence in November and would be met from the Perth Theatre Trust's existing funding.
"The upgrade will complement enhancements recently implemented at BOCS Ticketing, including expanding the size of the call centre and installing additional dedicated telephone lines," Ms McHale said.
"These enhancements to BOCS Ticketing will greatly improve the services and options available to the public and the arts industry.
"The Government made an election commitment that BOCS Ticketing would not be sold and we have honoured that commitment."
Ms McHale said a recent arts industry forum provided an opportunity for WA arts companies, promoters and other clients to identify and express their views on BOCS Ticketing and to look at future options.
The forum indicated that the current ticketing system was in need of an upgrade to deliver the latest developments in ticketing systems and services. There had been no developments or enhancements to the system for several years due to the proposed sale of BOCS Ticketing.
The outcome of the arts industry forum strongly supported the retention and enhancement of BOCS Ticketing as a stand-alone ticketing service within the arts industry.
Media contact: Priscilla Fouracres 9213 6900