Australian state Victoria has announced the appointment of six inaugural commissioners to its new combined gambling and liquor regulator, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR).
Made by the Minister for Gaming and Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien, the appointments include Victoria's current director of liquor licensing Mark Brennan as the new chairperson of the VCGLR, Bruce Thompson - currently chairperson of the state's gambling regulator - and Gail Owen, who have been appointed as deputy chairpersons. Kate Hamond, Des Powell and Robert Kerr have been appointed as additional commissioners.
O'Brien said that the appointments are a "significant milestone in the establishment of a modern, agile regulator that engages, educates and enforces." Adding that they are also important in delivering the Victorian coalition government's commitment to streamline and improve the regulation of gambling and liquor.
"It will be the role of the commissioners to apply Victoria's gambling and liquor licensing laws through consistent and transparent decisions that minimise harm, develop responsible industries and respond to diverse community expectations," said O'Brien.
The appointments are for two years and will take effect on the commencement of the new Commission on February 6.
