In New South Wales, liquor and gaming regulation will undergo a big change. Liquor and Gaming NSW is the new regulator that will replace the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) and take on the work of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA). The changes will require the employment of 20 new compliance officers.
They will help to clear up a backlog of liquor applications and complaints, which will increase compliance capacity. As liquor laws are getting tighter and tighter, it is important that the state has a regulator that is properly equipped to enforce these laws. While liquor regulation will benefit, there are some concerns that gaming regulation will suffer.
The Greens are dubious about having the government take over for a once independent regulator. They are concerned that the changes will weaken the OLGR which will result in less stringent regulation of gaming laws. "Independence is at the heart of the authority's nature and functioning,” says a spokesperson for The Greens.
“It is made possible through staff who are accountable only to the authority and resources under the control of the authority”. Another change will allow community members, pubs and clubs to appeal against ILGA decisions. This is seen as a beneficial clause, as it allows the community to weigh in on topics that are important to them.
"Previously a decision made by ILGA was final, unless you had the financial capacity for a Supreme Court appeal, making it almost impossible for the community's voice to be properly heard," says Troy Grant, NSW Deputy Premier. While the new changes to NSW liquor and gaming regulation are contentious, they have been given the go ahead. Only time will tell whether or not the new regulatory body will truly benefit the local community.
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