The Victorian government has announced the appointment of former Department of Health secretary Fran Thorn as inaugural chair of the state’s new gambling regulator.
Thorn will assume the role for an initial period of three years from 1 January 2022, tasked with both establishing the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) and overseeing its oversight of the industry.
Taking over regulation of the state’s gambling industry from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR), the establishment of a dedicated casino and gambling regulator is part of the fallout from the recent Royal Commission into Crown Melbourne, which ultimately found Crown unsuitable to retain its casino license but granted a two-year window within which to prove suitability.
First announced in August amid concerns its predecessor had lacked the resources to properly regulate Crown, the separation of liquor and gaming will allow the VGCCC to “focus solely on regulating casino and gambling operators and minimizing harm,” the government said, “with a dedicated casino division and commissioners focusing solely on the casino operator.”
Responsibility for liquor regulation will be transferred to the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS).
Thorn, formerly Victoria’s top health bureaucrat, 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, according to Tuesday’s announcement.
“Ms Thorn possesses exemplary skills and experience that will be vital to ensuring the new casino and gambling regulator operates effectively and efficiently,” said Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne.
“We’ve acted swiftly to establish the VGCCC, appointing a new Chair, finalizing 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.”
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