Inaugural Chair For New Gambling And Casino Regulator

The Andrews Labor Government has appointed Fran Thorn as the inaugural chair of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).

Ms Thorn will help establish the new regulator and its crucial oversight role, with her appointment for three years from 1 January 2022. Ms Thorn is a highly experienced public sector leader, having led several Victorian Government departments throughout her career.

Ms Thorn will bring extensive experience to the new regulator, having

previously designed and delivered significant government service reforms, and worked across government in policy, planning, funding and regulation.

The VGCCC will provide stronger, more focused regulation of Victoria’s casino and have oversight of all gambling and gaming activities within Victoria. It will also have greater oversight of gambling harm minimisation measures, with a dedicated casino division and commissioners focusing solely on the casino operator.

To allow the VGCCC to exclusively monitor gambling and the casino, responsibility for liquor regulation will be transferred to the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS).

The new arrangements will include independent commissioners who will make liquor regulatory decisions distinct from Government.

Legislation will be prepared in 2022 to establish the new arrangements for the liquor regulator.

There will be no disruption to gambling and liquor regulation as the regulator transitions to these new arrangements.

We thank the chair of the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, Ross Kennedy, for his years of service and contribution to the regulation of gambling and liquor in Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne

“Ms Thorn possesses exemplary skills and experience that will be vital to ensuring the new casino and gambling regulator operates effectively and efficiently.”

“We’ve acted swiftly to establish the VGCCC, appointing a new Chair, finalising governance arrangements and moving liquor regulation into the Department of Justice and Community Safety to ensure dedicated oversight of this important responsibility.”

“The changes we are making will see a return to a model that is fit-for-purpose and has a specific and separate focus on liquor and gambling regulation.”