Gambling and liquor report response

The Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC), which has members of the government, opposition and minor parties from both houses of parliament, made 61 recommendations.

Stricter rules on gambling ads during primetime media broadcasts and in public places, such as those adopted in South Australia, are among 29 other measures receiving support in principle.

‘The Victorian Government recognises that gambling advertising is an area that is predominantly overseen by the Commonwealth Government,’ the response said.

‘Noting the South Australian Commissioner’s statement to the Federal Inquiry that indicated that Commonwealth action would be more effective, a national approach is desirable as there are limitations to the state’s powers regarding advertising.

‘The Victorian Government will consider any proposal by the Commonwealth to restrict advertising and reserves its right to implement state led mechanisms to reduce gambling advertising in Victoria.’

A recommendation to consider reforming donations from the gambling and alcohol industry and associated entities to state political parties is under review, which means the government believes further analysis is required to determine its position.

A separate recommendation to examine daily, weekly and annual gambling loss limits, and the regulatory frameworks in Tasmania, Norway, Sweden and Finland is not supported.

‘The Victorian Government regularly engages with interstate and international colleagues regarding gambling regulatory frameworks, to ensure Victoria has the strongest gambling harm protections in place,’ the response said.

‘On 16 July 2023, the Victorian Government announced that all gaming venues in Victoria will require mandatory carded play with pre-commitment limits.

‘The Victorian Government will ensure this reform is successfully implemented and its effectiveness is evaluated appropriately.’

As part of its inquiry, PAEC reviewed three Auditor-General’s reports relating to the regulation of gambling and liquor, and reducing the harm caused by gambling.

It received 54 public submissions, held three days of public hearings, a meeting in Geelong and a youth roundtable, which brought together 18 to 30 year olds from across the state to share their views.

You can read the full government response and Committee’s report on the inquiry website.