Out of all the Australian states, Victoria seems to have adopted the most proactive strategy for reducing problem gambling rates. However, the state seems to be falling behind when it comes to enforcing particular laws, as the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation has missed its inspection targets by thousands this year.
According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, there are thousands of pubs and pokie clubs which have gone without inspections. The VCGLR oversees thousands of poker machines and liquor licenses had an annual target of 15 000 inspections for 2013/14.
Over the course of the first five months of the year, 3740 inspections had been carried out, almost half of the 6292 goal. During an inspection, the inspector speaks with the person who holds the license or the person who is in charge of the license. They will inspect all areas of the property, including the inside and outside of the venue. The inspector can ask to see any relevant documents to ensure that the venue is up to code.
They will identify any areas that need improvement and offer guidance about how to bring the venue into compliance. A report from the VCGLR states that each inspector must carry out just over four inspections a day, which would mean that each team would carry out 355 a month. This would allow them to meet their target. However, this does not seem to be happening. It may be a staffing issue.
Earlier in the month, we reported fewer inspections were being carried out in rural areas budget cuts for the regulator. The VCGLR has been unable to pay overtime, so inspectors have not been able to visit venues during peak periods of trading. We also reported that Crown Melbourne may be cutting back on its inspections, no longer requiring inspectors to be at the venue 24 hours a day.
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