Additional Process Announced: Retired judge to Oversee Licensing Review

On the 19th November, 2006 it was announced that the State Government had released a policy appointing a retired judge to oversee the gambling license reviews. This appointment is an additional process to that initially stated. Further details on the review process will become available on this website as they are announced.


The Review in Review

Legal Paper:. The The release of a suite of Issues Papers in March of 2006, signaled the start of the government's review into the industry licenses for Electronic Gaming Machines, Club Keno, Wagering and funding arrangements for the racing industry post-2012. The year 2012 sees the expiration of the operating licenses for poker machines and other gambling products in Victoria. The review then provided a unique opportunity for reform of the current structure of the industry and the existing licensing agreements and the review was highlighted as particularly important due to increasing evidence that the a significant proportion of revenue from the pokies is derived from problem gamblers.

:. The review provided for a public consultation process. In March, 2006 written submissions from local government, community, industry and concerned individuals outlining responses to a number of issues proposed in the Issues Papers was invited. At the closing of the written submission period, over one hundred submissions were presented to the government. From late July and throughout August 2006, the review included a further public consultation process where those who made a written submission to the review were afforded an opportunity to present a verbal case to a panel appointed by the Steering Committee for the Gambling Licenses Review. Chaired by Mr Peter Kirby, the panel allowed presenters to outline their case, as well as pose questions. Staff of the Community Advocacy on Gambling project were present at 70 of the 72 panel hearings, and provided advice and information throughout the process back to community and local government presenters. Following each day's hearings, notes on the proceedings and questions asked by the panel were sent to other presenters participating in the review by way of assisting them in preparation for their own presentations.

Legal Bag:. On 18 October 2006, the Victorian Government released Mr Kirby's report on the public hearings. In effect, the report provided an overarching summary of the key matters raised in the written and verbal presentations to the review. Copies of the report can be accessed at our website on www.gamblingadvocacy.org.au In reading the report, it is important to note that the panel was not mandated to provide advice to government on options for the future licencing arrangements. That task will take place in the first half of 2007.

:. Having said that, there is no commitment by the government to seeking public feedback to any of its options prior to the government making a formal decision on the future of the pokies industry. We are aware that a number of Councils and community groups have made representation to the government seeking a consultative process that allows for feedback on the various options being considered. Please refer to our website for latest updates on the licences review and information that becomes available on future processes that may be implemented to finalise this important piece of work.