Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011 (Vic)
Version No. 014
Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
No. 58 of 2011
Version incorporating amendments as at
1 July 2024
TABLE OF PROVISIONS
Section Page
Part 1—Preliminary
1Purposes
2Commencement
3Definitions
4Words and expressions used in this Act and gambling legislation
5Decision-making guidelines
5AMinisterial directions
Part 2—The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission
Division 1—Establishment, objectives, functions and powers
6Establishment of Commission
7Official seal
8Commission represents the Crown
8AObjectives of the Commission
9Functions of the Commission
10Powers of the Commission
Division 2—Membership of Commission
11Constitution of Commission
12Eligibility for appointment
13The Chairperson
14Deputy Chairperson
15Additional commissioners
15ASessional commissioners
16Term of appointment
17Remuneration
18Acting appointments
19Vacancies and resignation
20Validity of decisions
21Disclosure of interests
22Protection from liability
Division 2A—Chief executive officer
23AChief executive officer
23BTerms of appointment of the chief executive officer
Division 3—Performance and exercise of the Commission's functions, powers and duties
24Basic requirement
25How may Commission's functions, duties and powers be performed or exercised?
26Meetings and inquiries generally
27Meetings
28Are Commission meetings and inquiries open to the public?
Division 4—Staffing and delegation
29Staff
30Delegation
31Conflict of interest and duty
Part 3—Investigations and inquiries of Commission
Division 1—Investigations
32General power of investigation
Division 2—Inquiries
Subdivision 1—Inquiries generally
33Inquiries by Commission
34Conduct of inquiry
35Community interest inquiries
Subdivision 2—Community interest inquiries
36Application
37Procedure for community interest inquiries
38Minister may require interim report
39Final report to be provided to Minister
Part 4—Gambling and casino inspectors
40Appointment
41Criminal records check
42Functions of gambling and casino inspectors
43Identity cards
44Former inspectors
Part 5—General
44AReview of repeal of Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Act 2011
45Regulations
Part 6—Savings and transitional provisions
46Definitions
47General transitional provisions
48Inspectors
49Criminal records check
50Statements of policy
51Saving provision concerning change of Act and Commission name
Part 7—Transitional provisions for Casino and Liquor Legislation Amendment Act 2022
52Definitions
53Commissioners
54Inspectors
55Former inspectors
56Protection from liability
═══════════════
Endnotes
1 General information
2 Table of Amendments
3 Explanatory details
Version No. 014
Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
No. 58 of 2011
Version incorporating amendments as at
1 July 2024
The Parliament of Victoria enacts:
PART 1—PRELIMINARY
1Purposes
The main purposes of this Act are—
(a)to establish the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission; and
(b)to provide for the Commission's functions, powers and governance; and
(c)to provide for the appointment of gambling and casino inspectors and the conduct of investigations and inquiries by the Commission.
2Commencement
(1)Subject to subsection (2), this Act comes into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed.
(2)If a provision referred to in subsection (1) does not come into operation before 31 December 2012, it comes into operation on that day.
3Definitions
In this Act—
bookmaker has the same meaning as it has in section 1.3 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
Chairperson means Chairperson of the Commission appointed under section 13;
Commission means Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission established under Part 2;
commissioner means a member of the Commission appointed under Part 2;
community interest inquiry means an inquiry to which Subdivision 2 of Division 2 of Part 3 applies;
Deputy Chairperson means a Deputy Chairperson of the Commission appointed under section 14;
gambling and casino inspector means an inspector appointed under section 40;
gambling authorisation means—
(a)a licence, permit, approval, authorisation or registration granted, issued, given or approved under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 or the Casino Control Act 1991; or
(b)a gaming machine entitlement; or
(c)an authority conferred by a listing on the Roll;
gambling legislation means—
(a)the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(b)the Casino Control Act 1991;
(c)the Casino (Management Agreement) Act 1993;
(d)regulations made under an Act referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c);
inquiry means an inquiry conducted under Division 2 of Part 3;
* * * * *
* * * * *
regulated person means—
(a)the holder of a gambling authorisation; or
(b)an operator or nominee under a gambling authorisation; or
(c)an associate of a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b); or
(d)an entitlement holder connected person;
* * * * *
* * * * *
* * * * *
* * * * *
* * * * *
* * * * *
* * * * *
restricted person means—
(a)a commissioner;
(b)a gambling and casino inspector;
(c)a person appointed by the Commission as an authorised person under section 1.3(3) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
sessional commissioner means a commissioner appointed under section 15A.
Note
This Act uses expressions that are defined in the Gambling Regulation Act 2003. Section 4 provides that they are to have the same meaning in both Acts unless the context otherwise requires.
4Words and expressions used in this Act and gambling legislation
(1)Words and expressions used in gambling legislation and in this Act have the same respective meanings in this Act as they have in that Act.
* * * * *
(3)Subsection (1) does not apply to the extent that the context or subject matter otherwise indicates or requires.
5Decision-making guidelines
(1)The Minister may issue decision-making guidelines in respect of the regulation of gambling.
(2)Decision-making guidelines issued by the Minister under this section must be published in the Government Gazette.
5AMinisterial directions
(1)Subject to subsection (2), the Minister may give a written direction to the Commission in relation to the performance of its functions and duties or the exercise of its powers.
(2)A direction cannot be given under this section in relation to—
(a)the content of any advice, report or recommendation given to the Minister by the Commission; or
(b)the granting, issuing, variation, suspension or cancellation of a gambling authorisation; or
(c)the undertaking of an investigation under gambling legislation; or
(d)the taking of disciplinary action under gambling legislation.
(3)Subject to subsection (4), the Minister must cause to be published in the Government Gazette—
(a)a direction given under this section; and
(b)the reasons for giving the direction.
(4)The Minister is not required to publish any information under subsection (3) that in the Minister's opinion is confidential or commercially sensitive.
(5)To avoid doubt, subsection (2) does not affect a power of the Minister to give directions to the Commission under another Act.
Example
Under section 24 of the Casino Control Act 1991 the Minister may direct the Commission to investigate a casino.
PART 2—THE VICTORIAN GAMBLING AND CASINO CONTROL COMMISSION
Division 1—Establishment, objectives, functions and powers
6Establishment of Commission
(1)The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission is established.
(2)The Commission—
(a)is a body corporate with perpetual succession;
(b)has an official seal;
(c)may acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property;
(d)may do and suffer all acts and things that a body corporate may by law do or suffer.
(3)Despite the change in the name of the Commission made by section 37(2) of the Casino and Gambling Legislation Amendment Act 2021, the Commission continues to be the same body after as before that change and that change does not affect any act, matter or thing.
7Official seal
(1)The official seal of the Commission must—
(a)be kept in such custody as the Commission directs;
(b)not be used except as authorised by the Commission.
(2)All courts must take judicial notice of the seal of the Commission affixed to a document and, until the contrary is proved, must presume that it was duly affixed.
8Commission represents the Crown
In performing its functions and exercising its powers, the Commission represents the Crown.
8AObjectives of the Commission
The objectives of the Commission are—
(a)to maintain and administer systems for the licensing, supervision and control of gambling businesses and casinos, for the purpose of—
(i)ensuring that the management and operation of gambling businesses and casinos remain free from criminal influence and exploitation through oversight of those gambling businesses and casinos and liaison with other regulatory agencies; and
(ii)ensuring that gambling conducted or operated by a gambling business and gaming and betting in a casino are conducted or operated honestly; and
(iii)reducing gambling harm experienced by patrons of gambling businesses and casinos; and
(b)to minimise gambling harm.
9Functions of the Commission
(1)The functions of the Commission are—
(a)to perform the regulatory, investigative and disciplinary functions conferred on the Commission by or under this Act, the Gambling Regulation Act 2003, the Casino Control Act 1991, the Racing Act 1958 or any other Act;
(b)to undertake licensing, approval, authorisation and registration activities under gambling legislation or any other Act;
(c)to promote and monitor compliance with gambling legislation;
(d)to detect and respond to contraventions of gambling legislation;
(e)to advise the Minister in relation to the Commission's functions under gambling legislation and the Racing Act 1958;
(f)to advise the Minister on the operation of gambling legislation;
(g)to ensure Government policy in relation to gambling is implemented;
(h)to inform and educate the public about—
(i)the Commission's regulatory practices and requirements; and
(ii)Government policy in relation to gambling;
(i)to undertake activities to minimise gambling harm;
(j)to conduct and facilitate education and information programs—
(i)to promote behaviours that reduce gambling harm; and
(ii)to increase community awareness of the risks associated with gambling; and
(iii)to encourage people to seek help in relation to gambling harm;
(k)to advise the Minister, at the Minister's request, on any matter related to the Commission's functions under paragraph (j).
(2)The Commission also has the function of informing itself, in the manner it sees fit, as to its functions and the operation of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003, the Casino Control Act 1991 and the Racing Act 1958.
(3)When performing functions or duties or exercising powers under this Act, the Gambling Regulation Act 2003, the Casino Control Act 1991, the Racing Act 1958 or any other Act, the Commission must have regard to—
(a)the objects of the Act conferring functions, duties or powers on the Commission; and
(b)the objectives of the Commission set out in section 8A.
(4)When performing functions or duties or exercising powers under gambling legislation, the Commission must have regard to any decision-making guidelines issued by the Minister under section 5.
(5)When performing functions or duties or exercising powers, the Commission must comply with any directions of the Minister under section 5A.
10Powers of the Commission
(1)Subject to this Act, the Commission has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its duties and functions under—
(a)this Act;
(b)gambling legislation;
* * * * *
(d)the Racing Act 1958;
(e)any other Act;
(f)regulations made under any Act referred to in paragraph (a), (d) or (e).
(2)Without limiting subsection (1), the Commission may engage consultants, contractors or agents for or in connection with the performance of its functions and duties.
Division 2—Membership of Commission
11Constitution of Commission
(1)The Commission consists of—
(a)a commissioner appointed as Chairperson;
(b)one or more commissioners (other than the Chairperson) appointed as Deputy Chairpersons;
(c)as many additional and sessional commissioners as the Minister considers necessary to enable the Commission to perform its functions.
(2)Commissioners are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister.
(3)The Public Administration Act 2004 (other than Part 3 of that Act) applies to a commissioner in respect of the office of commissioner.
(4)For the purposes of the Public Administration Act 2004, the Commission is the Commission as constituted under subsection (1), other than sessional commissioners.
12Eligibility for appointment
(1)When recommending persons for appointment as commissioners, the Minister must ensure as far as is practicable that collectively the commissioners have the following—
(a)regulatory experience;
(b)financial or commercial qualifications or experience;
(c)at least 5 years' practice as an Australian legal practitioner;
(d)any other qualifications, experience or expertise that the Minister considers relevant.
(2)Despite subsection (1), a person is not eligible for appointment as a commissioner if the person has, at any time in the previous 2 years, been employed by, or significantly associated with—
(a)a key operative; or
(b)a bookmaker; or
(c)a commercial raffle organiser.
13The Chairperson
(1)The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, may appoint an eligible person as Chairperson.
(2)The Chairperson is to be appointed on a full-time or part-time basis, on the terms and conditions determined by the Governor in Council.
14Deputy Chairperson
(1)The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, may appoint one or more eligible persons as Deputy Chairpersons.
(2)The appointment may be on a full-time or part-time basis, on the terms and conditions determined by the Governor in Council.
15Additional commissioners
(1)The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, may appoint eligible persons as additional commissioners.
(2)The appointment may be on a full-time or part-time basis, on the terms and conditions determined by the Governor in Council.
15ASessional commissioners
(1)The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, may appoint eligible persons as sessional commissioners.
(2)The appointment of a sessional commissioner is to be on a part-time or daily basis, on the terms and conditions determined by the Governor in Council.
(3)A sessional commissioner may be appointed—
(a)for a specific period; or
(b)for a specific matter.
(4)If the instrument of appointment of a sessional commissioner specifies that the commissioner is appointed for the purposes of a specific matter, the commissioner—
(a)must be allocated to that matter; and
(b)may perform the functions of a commissioner only in relation to that matter.
(5)If a sessional commissioner is appointed for a specified period without a specified purpose as set out in subsection (3)—
(a)the Chairperson may allocate the sessional commissioner to a matter as the Chairperson sees fit; and
(b)the sessional commissioner may perform the functions of a commissioner in relation to that matter.
16Term of appointment
A commissioner—
(a)holds office for the period, not exceeding 5 years, specified in his or her instrument of appointment;
(b)is eligible for re-appointment for a further term or terms.
17Remuneration
A commissioner is entitled to the remuneration specified in his or her instrument of appointment.
18Acting appointments
(1)The Minister may appoint a person to act in the office of commissioner (other than as a sessional commissioner), for a period not exceeding 6 months—
(a)if a commissioner is absent or, for any other reason, is unable to perform the duties of office; or
(b)during a vacancy in the office of commissioner; or
(c)if the Minister considers that an appointment under this section is necessary to assist the Commission in the performance of its functions.
(2)An acting commissioner is eligible for re‑appointment for a further term or terms.
(3)The Minister may—
(a)determine the terms and conditions of appointment of an acting commissioner; and
(b)terminate the appointment at any time.
(4)While acting in a commissioner's place, the acting commissioner—
(a)has and may perform all the functions of the commissioner; and
(b)is entitled to be paid the remuneration to which the commissioner would have been entitled.
(5)The Minister may appoint a commissioner to act in the office of Chairperson if the Chairperson is absent or, for any other reason, is unable to perform the duties of office.
(6)While acting in the Chairperson's place, the acting Chairperson—
(a)has and may perform all the functions of the Chairperson; and
(b)is entitled to be paid the remuneration to which the Chairperson would have been entitled.
(7)A person appointed under this section may resign from that acting appointment by notice in writing delivered to the Minister.
19Vacancies and resignation
(1)A commissioner's office becomes vacant if he or she—
(a)becomes bankrupt; or
(b)is convicted in Victoria of an indictable offence or elsewhere of an offence that, if committed in Victoria, would be an indictable offence; or
(c)is removed from office under subsection (2); or
(d)resigns by notice in writing delivered to the Governor in Council.
(2)The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, may remove a commissioner from office if the commissioner—
(a)has refused, neglected, or failed to carry out the functions or duties of office;
(b)has engaged in misconduct in carrying out the functions, powers or duties of office.
(3)If a commissioner is removed from office under subsection (2), the Minister must cause to be laid before each House of the Parliament a full statement of the grounds of the removal within 10 sitting days of that House after the removal.
20Validity of decisions
A decision of the Commission is not invalid merely because of a defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment of a commissioner or acting commissioner.
21Disclosure of interests
(1)If a commissioner has an interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the Commission, he or she must, as soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to his or her knowledge, disclose the nature of the interest to the Chairperson.
(2)If the Chairperson has an interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the Commission, he or she must, as soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to his or her knowledge, disclose the nature of the interest to the Minister.
(3)The Commission must make guidelines specifying the types of interests that a commissioner must disclose for the purposes of this section.
(4)The Commission must cause guidelines made under this section to be published on the Internet site of the Commission.
22Protection from liability
(1)A commissioner, a delegate of the Commission, or a delegate of a commissioner is not personally liable for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith—
(a)in the exercise of a power or the performance of a function under—
(i)this Act; or
(ii)gambling legislation; or
* * * * *
(b)in the reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the exercise of a power or the performance of a function under—
(i)this Act; or
(ii)gambling legislation.
* * * * *
(2)Any liability resulting from an act or omission that, but for subsection (1), would attach to a commissioner or delegate attaches instead to the Commission.
* * * * *
Division 2A—Chief executive officer
23AChief executive officer
(1)There is to be a chief executive officer of the Commission, appointed by the Commission in consultation with the Minister.
(2)The chief executive officer is responsible to the Commission for the day-to-day management and administration of the affairs of the Commission.
(3)The chief executive officer must not be a commissioner.
23BTerms of appointment of the chief executive officer
(1)The chief executive officer is appointed subject to the terms and conditions (including remuneration and allowances) set out in the instrument of appointment.
(2)The Commission, in consultation with the Minister, may remove the chief executive officer from office.
(3)The chief executive officer may resign office by writing signed by the chief executive officer and delivered to the Commission.
(4)The Public Administration Act 2004 (other than Part 3 of that Act) applies to the chief executive officer in respect of the chief executive officer's appointment.
Division 3—Performance and exercise of the Commission's functions, powers and duties
24Basic requirement
(1)The Commission must endeavour to perform its functions and duties and exercise its powers without undue formality, and as expeditiously as practicable, as the requirements of this or any other Act and the proper consideration of the subject matter permit.
(2)Without limiting subsection (1), the Commission is required to inform an applicant of the Commission's decision in respect of the applicant's matter, and any other party to that matter, as soon as practicable after making the decision.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (2), an applicant is a person who has applied for a gambling authorisation that the Commission may grant, issue or give.
25How may Commission's functions, duties and powers be performed or exercised?
(1)A function, duty or power of the Commission is to be performed or exercised by the Commission at a meeting, or an inquiry, in accordance with this Division and Division 2 of Part 3.
(1A)Subsection (1) does not apply to a function, duty or power performed or exercised by the Commission in conducting a compulsory conference under Division 2A of Part 9 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.
(2)A function of the Commission that an Act or subordinate instrument provides may be performed by any commissioner may also be performed by the Commission at a meeting convened or inquiry arranged in accordance with this Division and Division 2 of Part 3.
(3)In performing a function or duty the Commission—
(a)except when exercising a power under Division 5 of Part I of the Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1958, is not bound by the rules of evidence but may inform itself in any way it thinks fit;
Note
See section 33(3).
(b)is bound by the rules of natural justice.
(4)An appeal against a decision of the Commission under section 3.3.17, 3.5.33M, 8.3.4, 8.3.18, 8.4.20, 8.5A.4 or 9A.1.7 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 must be heard by at least 3 commissioners one of whom must be the Chairperson or a Deputy Chairperson.
26Meetings and inquiries generally
(1)The Chairperson—
(a)must convene as many meetings of the Commission as he or she considers necessary for the efficient conduct of its affairs;
(b)may arrange for the Commission to conduct an inquiry.
(2)A meeting convened, or inquiry arranged, in accordance with this section, may be conducted at a place determined by the Chairperson.
(3)The Chairperson, or in his or her absence and if there is no acting Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson, is to preside at a meeting of the Commission.
(4)Subject to this Act or gambling legislation, the Commission may regulate its own procedure.
(5)If the Chairperson arranges an inquiry to be conducted by 3 or more commissioners, the Chairperson may be the presiding commissioner, or must appoint one of the commissioners to be the presiding commissioner.
27Meetings
(1)A meeting of the Commission may be conducted by telephone, closed circuit television or other means of communication that does not require the physical presence of each commissioner in the same room.
(2)The quorum for a meeting of the Commission is 3 commissioners, at least one of whom must be the Chairperson or a Deputy Chairperson.
(2A)If a sessional commissioner has been appointed for a specific matter, the quorum for a meeting of the Commission that is to perform any function in relation to that matter must include that sessional commissioner.
(3)A matter arising at a meeting is determined by a majority of votes of the commissioners present and voting on the question and the person presiding has a deliberative vote and, if voting is equal, a second or casting vote.
28Are Commission meetings and inquiries open to the public?
(1)The Commission may conduct meetings and inquiries in public or private.
(2)However, an inquiry conducted for the purposes of making a finding or a determination relating to any of the following matters must be conducted in public unless the Commission determines, under subsection (3), that there are special circumstances requiring that the inquiry or part of it should be conducted in private—
* * * * *
(e)an application for approval of premises for gaming under Part 3 of Chapter 3 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(f)an application for a venue operator's licence under Division 2 of Part 4 of Chapter 3 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(g)a proposed amendment to a venue operator's licence to—
(i)vary the days or dates on which 24 hour gaming is permitted;
(ii)add a new condition to specify days or dates on which 24 hour gaming is permitted;
(iii)increase the number of gaming machines permitted in an approved venue so that the approved venue will have more than 10% more than the number of gaming machines permitted in the venue at the time of the proposed amendment;
(iv)increase the number of gaming machines permitted in an approved venue within 2 years after the Commission has approved an increase of not more than 10% in the number of gaming machines permitted in the venue;
* * * * *
* * * * *
(h)approval of gaming machine types and games under section 3.5.4 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(i)variation of gaming machine types and games under section 3.5.5 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(j)withdrawal of gaming machine types and games under section 3.5.6 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(k)approval to install a linked jackpot arrangement referred to in section 3.5.7 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(l)the making of rules under section 3.5.23 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(m)any matters in relation to an application under Chapter 4 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (other than an application under Part 3 of that Chapter of that Act);
(n)any matters in relation to an application under Chapter 6A of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (other than an application under Part 3 of that Chapter of that Act);
(o)any of the following under the Casino Control Act 1991—
(i)the granting of a casino licence under section 13 of that Act;
(ii)the amendment of the conditions of a casino licence under section 16 of that Act;
(iii)the definition or redefinition of boundaries of a casino under section 17 of that Act;
(iv)the giving or varying of a direction about the days and times of operation of a casino under section 65 of that Act.
(3)The Commission may direct that an inquiry or part of it be conducted in private if the Commission considers that special circumstances of a kind specified in paragraph (a) or (b) exist—
(a)to prevent the unreasonable divulgence of information relating to the personal affairs of any person (including a deceased person); or
(b)it is otherwise in the interests of justice or the public interest to do so.
(4)The Commission must advise that the Commission is conducting an inquiry in public by notice published on the Internet site of the Commission.
(5)In the notice published under subsection (4), the Commission must—
(a)specify the type of inquiry being conducted; and
(b)specify the date of, time of and place of the inquiry.
Division 4—Staffing and delegation
29Staff
(1)Any employees that are necessary for the purposes of performing the functions of the Commission under this Act, gambling legislation or any other Act may be employed under Part 3 of the Public Administration Act 2004.
(2)The Commission may enter into agreements or arrangements for the use of the services of any staff of a government department, statutory authority or other public body.
(3)The Commission may, by instrument, nominate a person by name to assist or advise the Commission in the performance of functions under this Act, gambling legislation or any other Act.
(4)A nomination under subsection (3) must specify the functions in relation to which the nominated person is to assist or advise the Commission.
(5)A nomination under subsection (3) remains in force for the period determined by the Commission and may be extended from time to time by the Commission.
30Delegation
(1)The Commission may, by instrument, delegate any power, function or duty of the Commission under any Act or subordinate instrument to a commissioner (other than a function under section 10.1.32(3) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003).
(2)The Commission may, by instrument, delegate any power, function or duty of the Commission under any Act or subordinate instrument (other than a function specified in subsection (3)) to—
(aa)the chief executive officer;
(a)a member of staff employed under section 29;
(b)a person employed under Part 3 of the Public Administration Act 2004.
(3)The following functions of the Commission are not delegable under subsection (2)—
(a)a function under section 10.1.32(3) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(b)a decision to take disciplinary action under section 20 of the Casino Control Act 1991;
(c)a function under section 22 of the Casino Control Act 1991;
(d)the approval of a major change under section 28 of the Casino Control Act 1991.
* * * * *
(4)A single commissioner may, by instrument, delegate to an employee or member of staff referred to in section 29 any function that may be performed by a commissioner under—
(a)section 3.3.16 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(b)section 4.5A.5 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(c)sections 5.7.4 and 5.7.5 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(d)section 5.7.9 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(e)section 8.3.3 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(f)section 8.3.13 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(g)section 8.5A.3 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(h)sections 9A.1.5 and 9A.1.6 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(i)sections 44, 45 and 45A of the Casino Control Act 1991.
* * * * *
* * * * *
31Conflict of interest and duty
(1)A restricted person must not be an employee of—
(a)a key operative; or
(b)a bookmaker; or
(c)a commercial raffle organiser.
Penalty:60 penalty units.
(2)A person who ceases to be a commissioner must not, at any time during the next 2 years, be employed by, or significantly associated with—
(a)a key operative; or
(b)a bookmaker; or
(c)a commercial raffle organiser.
Penalty:60 penalty units.
(3)Unless the Commission otherwise approves, a person who ceases to be a restricted person must not, at any time during the next 2 years, be employed or significantly associated with—
(a)a key operative; or
(b)a bookmaker; or
(c)a commercial raffle organiser.
Penalty:60 penalty units.
(4)A key operative, bookmaker or commercial raffle organiser must not employ, or be significantly associated with, a person prohibited by subsection (2) or (3) or by section 44 from being so employed or associated.
Penalty:60 penalty units.
PART 3—INVESTIGATIONS AND INQUIRIES OF COMMISSION
Division 1—Investigations
32General power of investigation
(1)For the purposes of performing its functions or duties, or exercising its powers under this Act or gambling legislation, the Commission may carry out investigations.
(2)An investigation under this Division may include (but is not limited to) an investigation of any or all of the following—
(a)a person who, in the opinion of the Commission, is a regulated person;
(b)the conduct and practices of a person referred to in paragraph (a);
(c)any contravention or suspected contravention of a provision under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003;
(d)a person who, in the opinion of the Commission, could affect the performance of functions in or in relation to the conduct of the operations of a regulated person under a gambling authorisation;
(e)a person who, in the opinion of the Commission, could be in a position to exercise direct or indirect control over a regulated person in relation to functions in or in relation to the conduct of operations under a gambling authorisation;
* * * * *
(g)an investigation under section 91A or 94A(5D) of the Racing Act 1958;
(h)matters relevant to the functions, powers or duties of the Commission or the operation of gambling legislation.
(3)An investigation under this Division may include making an enquiry of a preliminary nature.
Division 2—Inquiries
Subdivision 1—Inquiries generally
33Inquiries by Commission
(1)The Commission may conduct an inquiry for the purposes of performing its functions or duties, or exercising its powers under this Act or gambling legislation.
(2)At least one commissioner must preside at an inquiry.
(3)When conducting an inquiry for the purposes of performing its functions under section 9(1)(a), (b), (c) or (d) the Commission is taken to be a board appointed by the Governor in Council and Division 5 of Part I (including section 21A) of the Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1958, as in force immediately before the repeal of that Division, applies accordingly.
(4)If a sessional commissioner has been appointed for a specific matter, that sessional commissioner must sit on any inquiry in relation to that matter.
(5)When the Commission is conducting an inquiry for the purposes of a function referred to in section 30(3)(c), the commissioner who initiated the inquiry may sit on the inquiry.
34Conduct of inquiry
Subject to this Act and gambling legislation, the Commission may conduct any inquiry in any manner the Commission considers appropriate.
Note
As to which provisions of this Act the section is subject to, see, for example, sections 25(3) and 33(3).
35Community interest inquiries
(1)The Commission may determine that an inquiry it is proposing to, or must, conduct is a community interest inquiry.
(2)In making a determination under subsection (1), the Commission must have regard to the subject matter of the proposed inquiry and the functions, powers and duties it will perform or exercise for the purposes of that inquiry.
(3)If directed to do so by the Minister, the Commission must conduct a community interest inquiry into any matter specified by the Minister that is relevant to the administration of this Act or gambling legislation.
(4)A direction made by the Minister under subsection (3) must be in writing.
(5)The Commission must make a report to the Minister on the results of a community interest inquiry conducted at the direction of the Minister under subsection (3).
Subdivision 2—Community interest inquiries
36Application
This Subdivision applies to an inquiry—
(a)that the Commission has determined is a community interest inquiry;
(b)that the Minister has directed the Commission to conduct under section 35(3).
37Procedure for community interest inquiries
(1)The Commission must conduct a community interest inquiry in public.
(2)In conducting a community interest inquiry, the Commission may—
(a)determine the area or locality in the State to which the inquiry relates;
(b)call for submissions from interested organisations and members of the public;
(c)consult with persons or bodies the Commission considers appropriate and seek submissions from those persons and bodies.
(3)The Commission must advise that a community interest inquiry is being conducted by the Commission—
(a)by notice published in the Government Gazette; and
(b)by notice published on the Internet site of the Commission; and
(c)if the inquiry relates to a particular area or locality—by notice published in a newspaper circulating in the area or locality to which the inquiry relates.
(4)The Commission must—
(a)in the notices required to be published under subsection (3), invite the public to make submissions to the Commission in relation to the community interest inquiry within the time specified in those notices;
(b)set out the manner and form in which submissions may be made.
(5)All submissions made to the Commission that—
(a)relate to the subject matter of the community interest inquiry; and
(b)are made within the time, manner and form specified by the Commission in the notices required to be published under subsection (3)—
must be considered by the Commission before the community interest inquiry is concluded.
38Minister may require interim report
(1)The Minister may, in writing, request the Commission to provide an interim report, within a time specified by the Minister, on any community interest inquiry being conducted by the Commission before the inquiry is concluded.
(2)An interim report made by the Commission and given to the Minister under subsection (1) may be made orally or may be in writing.
39Final report to be provided to Minister
(1)At the conclusion of a community interest inquiry, the Commission must give the Minister a report on the outcomes of the inquiry.
(2)A report made by the Commission and given to the Minister under subsection (1) must be in writing.
PART 4—GAMBLING AND CASINO INSPECTORS
40Appointment
(1)The Chairperson may, by instrument, appoint as a gambling and casino inspector for the purposes of this Act, gambling legislation or the Racing Act 1958 a person employed under Part 3 of the Public Administration Act 2004 who, in the Chairperson's opinion—
(a)is competent to perform the functions of an inspector; and
(b)is of good reputation, having regard to character, honesty and integrity.
(2)Unless the Chairperson considers that there are special circumstances, the Chairperson cannot appoint as a gambling and casino inspector a person who is, or at any time in the previous 2 years has been—
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(b)employed by, or significantly associated with—
(i)a key operative; or
(ii)a bookmaker; or
(iii)a commercial raffle organiser; or
(iv)the holder of an on-course wagering permit.
(3)Unless the Chairperson considers that there are special circumstances, the Chairperson cannot appoint as a gambling and casino inspector a person who is, or at any time during the previous 2 years has been, entitled to 2% or more of the voting shares in the wagering and betting licensee or a venue operator or a former wagering and betting licensee or venue operator.
41Criminal records check
(1)The Commission may require a person under consideration for appointment as a gambling and casino inspector to consent to having his or her photograph, finger prints and palm prints taken.
(2)The Commission must refer a copy of any photograph, finger prints and palm prints and any supporting documentation to the Chief Commissioner of Police.
(3)The Chief Commissioner of Police must inquire into and report to the Commission on matters relating to whether the person under consideration is of good repute, having regard to character, honesty and integrity.
(4)The Chief Commissioner of Police must ensure that—
(a)any copies of photographs, finger prints and palm prints and any supporting documentation received under subsection (2) are destroyed—
(i)within 28 days after they are no longer required in connection with the Chief Commissioner's inquiry and report under subsection (3); or
(ii)no later than 6 months from the date they were received—
whichever is the earlier; and
(b)the person to whom they relate is notified of the destruction as soon as practicable.
(5)The Chairperson must ensure that—
(a)any photographs, finger prints or palm prints taken under subsection (1) are destroyed—
(i)within 28 days after they are no longer required in connection with the consideration of the person's appointment as a gambling and casino inspector; or
(ii)no later than 6 months from the date they were taken—
whichever is the earlier; and
(b)the person to whom they relate is notified of the destruction as soon as practicable.
42Functions of gambling and casino inspectors
(1)A gambling and casino inspector has the following functions—
(a)any functions conferred on a gambling and casino inspector under gambling legislation;
(b)any functions conferred on a gambling and casino inspector under the Racing Act 1958 and any regulations made under that Act;
(c)any other functions conferred on a gambling and casino inspector under this Act, any other Act or regulations made under this Act or any other Act.
(2)A gambling and casino inspector has all the powers necessary to perform the inspector's functions under gambling legislation.
(3)Without limiting subsection (2), a gambling and casino inspector may—
(a)with the approval of the Commission, bring proceedings for offences against this Act or gambling legislation;
(b)appear personally or be represented by an Australian lawyer in any proceeding the inspector becomes involved in as a consequence of performing functions as a gambling and casino inspector.
43Identity cards
(1)A gambling and casino inspector is not authorised to perform the functions of a gambling and casino inspector unless he or she is in possession of an identity card in the form approved by the Chairperson.
(2)The identity card must bear a photograph and the name and signature of the gambling and casino inspector.
(3)Subject to this Act and any other Act conferring a function on a gambling and casino inspector, in the course of performing a function as a gambling and casino inspector, a gambling and casino inspector must, if requested to do so by a person affected by the performance of that function, produce the gambling and casino inspector's identity card for inspection by the person unless to do so would defeat the purpose for which the function is to be exercised.
44Former inspectors
Unless the Chairperson otherwise approves, a person who ceases to be a gambling and casino inspector must not, at any time during the next 2 years, be employed by or significantly associated with a key operative.
Penalty:60 penalty units.
PART 5—GENERAL
44AReview of repeal of Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Act 2011
(1)The Minister must cause a review of the repeal of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Act 2011 to be commenced within one year after the second anniversary of the repeal of that Act.
(2)The review must consider and report on—
(a)the efficiency, effectiveness, appropriateness and co-ordination of functions related to gambling harm across the Commission, the Department of Justice and Community Safety and the Department of Health; and
(b)the methods used to identify gambling‑related matters to research, the independence of that research and the value of any gambling-related research that is conducted or commissioned by the Commission, the Department of Justice and Community Safety or the Department of Health; and
(c)whether the Auditor-General's recommendations to prevent and protect the community from gambling harm have been fully implemented; and
(d)the availability, delivery and quality of gambling harm treatment services and gambling harm public education programs.
(3)The Minister must cause a copy of the report of the review to be laid before each House of the Parliament not later than 2 years after the second anniversary of the repeal of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Act 2011.
45Regulations
The Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to any matter or thing required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed or necessary to be prescribed to give effect to this Act.
PART 6—SAVINGS AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
46Definitions
In this Part—
commencement day means the day on which section 3 comes into operation;
new Commission means Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation established under Part 2.
47General transitional provisions
(1)This Part does not affect or take away from the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984.
(2)This Part applies despite anything to the contrary in any other provision in this Act.
48Inspectors
(1)Subject to subsection (2), a person who is, immediately before the commencement day—
(a)an inspector appointed under section 10.5.1 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003; or
(b)a compliance inspector appointed under section 172A of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998—
is, on that day, taken to be a gambling and liquor inspector appointed under section 40.
(2)If a person specified in subsection (1)(b) does not, on the commencement day, meet the eligibility criteria specified in section 40(2) and (3) for a gambling and liquor inspector, the person must, within 6 months after that day apply for an exemption from the Chairperson to continue to be a gambling and liquor inspector.
(3)If a person specified in subsection (1)(b) does not apply for an exemption under subsection (2) within the period specified, the person ceases to be a gambling and liquor inspector at the end of that period.
(4)The Chairperson must grant or refuse an exemption under this section as soon as practicable after application for the exemption has been made.
(5)The Chairperson must notify, in writing, the person of his or her decision whether to grant or refuse to grant an exemption.
(6)A person who has applied for an exemption under subsection (2) may, if granted an exemption by the Chairperson, continue to be a gambling and liquor inspector appointed under this Act.
(7)If the Chairperson refuses to grant an exemption the person ceases to be a gambling and liquor inspector on the date the person is notified of that refusal.
49Criminal records check
(1)Photographs, finger prints and palm prints taken under section 10.5.2 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 and photographs and finger prints taken under section 172B of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 that are in existence immediately before the commencement day are, on that day, taken to be photographs, finger prints and palm prints taken under section 41.
(2)Despite section 41(4), the Chief Commissioner of Police has a period of 6 months from the commencement day to comply with section 41(4) in respect of photographs, finger prints and palm prints taken under section 10.5.2 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 to which subsection (1) applies.
(3)Despite section 41(5), the Chairperson has a period of 6 months from the commencement day to comply with section 41(5) in respect of photographs, finger prints and palm prints taken under section 10.5.2 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 to which subsection (1) applies.
50Statements of policy
(1)On the commencement day, a statement of policy made and in force immediately before that day is taken to be decision-making guidelines made under section 5.
(2)In this section, statement of policy means—
(a)the Statement of Policy made by the Minister for Consumer Affairs on 25 October 2006 and published in the Government Gazette No. S 294 on 27 October 2006;
(b)the Statement of Policy made by the Minister for Consumer Affairs on 18 March 2011 and published in the Government Gazette No. S 88 on 18 March 2011;
(c)the Statement of Policy made by the Minister for Consumer Affairs on 4 August 2011 and published in the Government Gazette No. G 31 on 4 August 2011.
51Saving provision concerning change of Act and Commission name
Unless the contrary intention appears—
(a)any reference to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation Act 2011 in any enactment, agreement or other document as far as it relates to any period after the commencement of Part 5 of the Casino and Gambling Legislation Amendment Act 2021 is to be treated as a reference to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011; and
(b)any reference to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation in any enactment, agreement or other document as far as it relates to any period after the commencement of Part 5 of the Casino and Gambling Legislation Amendment Act 2021 is to be treated as a reference to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
PART 7—TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR CASINO AND LIQUOR LEGISLATION AMENDMENT ACT 2022
52Definitions
In this Part—
amending Act means the Casino and Liquor Legislation Amendment Act 2022;
gambling and liquor inspector means a gambling and liquor inspector within the meaning of section 3 as in force immediately before the commencement of section 28 of the amending Act;
Liquor Commission means the Victorian Liquor Commission established by section 172B of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (as inserted by section 22 of the amending Act).
53Commissioners
(1)Subject to subsection (2), a person who was a commissioner immediately before the commencement of section 36 of the amending Act continues in office as a commissioner on and after that commencement in accordance with the person's instrument of appointment.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who has been appointed as a member of the Liquor Commission before the commencement of section 36 of the amending Act.
54Inspectors
(1)Subject to subsection (2), a person who was a gambling and liquor inspector immediately before the commencement of section 50 of the amending Act is taken, on and after that commencement, to be a gambling and casino inspector appointed under section 40.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who has been appointed as a liquor inspector under section 172ZA of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (as inserted by section 22 of the amending Act) before the commencement of section 50 of the amending Act.
55Former inspectors
Section 44, as in force immediately before the commencement of section 54 of the amending Act, continues to apply on and after that commencement to a person who ceased to be a gambling and liquor inspector before that commencement.
56Protection from liability
Section 22, as in force immediately before the commencement of section 38 of the amending Act, continues to apply on and after that commencement in relation to any liability of a commissioner, or a delegate of a commissioner, under liquor legislation before that commencement.
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ENDNOTES
1 General information
See for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.
Minister's second reading speech—
Legislative Assembly: 15 September 2011
Legislative Council: 13 October 2011
The long title for the Bill for this Act was "A Bill for an Act to establish the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, to amend the Gambling Regulation Act 2003, the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 and other Acts and for other purposes."
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation Act 2011 was assented to on 2 November 2011 and came into operation on 6 February 2012: Special Gazette (No. 423) 21 December 2011 page 4.
The title of this Act was changed from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation Act 2011 to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011 by section 34 of the Casino and Gambling Legislation Amendment Act 2021, No. 54/2021.
INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA)
Style changes
Section 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act.
References to ILA s. 39B
Sidenotes which cite ILA s. 39B refer to section 39B of the ILA which provides that where an undivided section or clause of a Schedule is amended by the insertion of one or more subsections or subclauses, the original section or clause becomes subsection or subclause (1) and is amended by the insertion of the expression "(1)" at the beginning of the original section or clause.
Interpretation
As from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects:
• Headings
All headings included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any heading inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. This includes headings to Parts, Divisions or Subdivisions in a Schedule; sections; clauses; items; tables; columns; examples; diagrams; notes or forms. See section 36(1A)(2A).
• Examples, diagrams or notes
All examples, diagrams or notes included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any examples, diagrams or notes inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, form part of that Act. See section 36(3A).
• Punctuation
All punctuation included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 forms part of that Act. Any punctuation inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. See section 36(3B).
• Provision numbers
All provision numbers included in an Act form part of that Act, whether inserted in the Act before, on or after 1 January 2001. Provision numbers include section numbers, subsection numbers, paragraphs and subparagraphs. See section 36(3C).
• Location of "legislative items"
A "legislative item" is a penalty, an example or a note. As from 13 October 2004, a legislative item relating to a provision of an Act is taken to be at the foot of that provision even if it is preceded or followed by another legislative item that relates to that provision. For example, if a penalty at the foot of a provision is followed by a note, both of these legislative items will be regarded as being at the foot of that provision. See section 36B.
• Other material
Any explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of an Act.
See section 36(3)(3D)(3E).
2 Table of Amendments
This publication incorporates amendments made to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011 by Acts and subordinate instruments.
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Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011 , No. 58/2011
Assent Date: 2.11.11 Commencement Date: S. 57(6) inserted on 1.7.22 by No. 26/2022 s. 55: Special Gazette (No. 336) 30.6.22 p. 1 Note: S. 57(6) repealed s. 57 on 1.7.24 Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
Statute Law Revision Act 2013, No. 70/2013
Assent Date: 19.11.13 Commencement Date: S. 3(Sch. 1 item 57.2) on 5.2.12: s. 2(2)(f); s. 3(Sch. 1 item 57.1) on 1.12.13: s. 2(1) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
Gambling and Liquor Legislation Further Amendment Act 2014, No. 64/2014
Assent Date: 9.9.14 Commencement Date: Ss 47–53 on 15.10.14: Special Gazette (No. 364) 14.10.14 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
Inquiries Act 2014, No. 67/2014
Assent Date: 23.9.14 Commencement Date: S. 147(Sch. 2 item 43) on 15.10.14: Special Gazette (No. 364) 14.10.14 p. 2 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
Statute Law Revision Act 2015, No. 21/2015
Assent Date: 16.6.15 Commencement Date: S. 3(Sch. 1 item 64) on 1.8.15: s. 2(1) Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
Gambling Regulation Amendment (Gaming Machine Arrangements) Act 2017, No. 62/2017
Assent Date: 12.12.17 Commencement Date: Ss 59, 66 on 19.9.18: s. 2(3) Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
Gambling Legislation Amendment Act 2018, No. 9/2018
Assent Date: 14.3.18 Commencement Date: Ss 24, 25, 27–30 on 15.3.18: s. 2(1); s. 26 on 1.9.18: s. 2(3) Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
Liquor Control Reform Amendment Act 2021, No. 49/2021
Assent Date: 9.11.21 Commencement Date: S. 61 on 31.12.22: s. 2(2) Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
Casino and Gambling Legislation Amendment Act 2021, No. 54/2021
Assent Date: 14.12.21 Commencement Date: Ss 34–38 on 1.1.22: Special Gazette (No. 733) 21.12.21 p. 1 Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
Casino and Liquor Legislation Amendment Act 2022, No. 26/2022
Assent Date: 28.6.22 Commencement Date: Ss 27–55 on 1.7.22: Special Gazette (No. 336) 30.6.22 p. 1 Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Repeal and Advisory Councils Act 2024, No. 25/2024
Assent Date: 25.6.24 Commencement Date: Ss 16, 17, 17A on 1.7.24: Special Gazette (No. 345) 25.6.24 p. 1 Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Act 2011
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3 Explanatory details
No entries at date of publication.
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