Premier

Locally Based Inspectors To Make Regional Venues Safer

29 June 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is improving the safety of regional liquor and gaming venues by boosting the number of locally-based compliance inspectors.

The Labor Government is providing the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) with an $11.3 million funding boost to establish a permanent regional presence.

Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz made the announcement today during a meeting with representatives from the VCGLR, the Greater Bendigo Council and Victoria Police.

While Victoria is well known for its thriving hospitality and tourism sector, many rural and regional areas experience high levels of alcohol misuse and have communities vulnerable to the impacts of problem gambling.

With more inspectors in the regions, the VCGLR will be able to visit venues to help educate managers about their obligations and make sure they are doing the right thing.

Work is underway to finalise locations for two regional hubs, which will become a base for inspectors to travel to nearby towns.

The hubs will allow for locally-based inspectors to establish stronger relationships with councils, local police and licensees in the area, so they can work together to minimise harm.

An ongoing regional presence will also provide greater flexibility to respond to emerging risks and issues, improve the quality of inspections and increase intelligence gathering.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz

“The Andrews Labor Government supports a thriving liquor and gambling industry, but strong regulation is needed to minimise harm to the community.”

“With this funding we are reinstating regional inspectors to ensure all businesses do the right thing.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards

“By maintaining a permanent presence in the area, these regionally-based compliance inspectors will help make our pubs and clubs safer.”

Quote attributable to Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation CEO Catherine Myers

“This funding boost means there will be more inspections, more often and in more venues across the entire state.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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