Gippsland › Latest news › Steph Ryan MP
Crown Casino reform not complete until thorough investigation of Andrews Labor Government dealings
Victorian Liberals and Nationals accept the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Crown Casino today.
But reform of the Casino will not be complete until there's been a thorough and frank investigation of the Victorian Government's dealings with Crown. Victorians will expect nothing less than total reform of Crown Casino after the Royal Commission today found it "unsuitable" to hold a licence based on "illegal, dishonest, unethical and exploitative" conduct.
The Royal Commission did not examine in any detail the actions or lack of action taken by the Victorian Government or the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation
No faith with the government
This is the Royal Commission Daniel Andrews didn't want to have. It will be a long two years for the Andrews Labor Government, after the Commission found it was "inevitable" that Crown was unfit to hold a licence because "the conduct [the casino] engaged in for over a decade was so disgraceful that no other conclusion is possible".
It is obvious from the Commissioner's recommendation to appoint a Special Manager that he has no faith that the Victorian Government is willing, or able, to do the job properly.
Additional powers and responsibilities recommended
The recommendation that additional powers and responsibilities be added to gaming inspectors is necessary, but the VCGLR has previously shown an unwillingness to act on reports of illegal behaviour - even when it was occurring in plain sight. Evidence provided to the Royal Commission exposed deep links with organised crime figures who were associated with money laundering, illegal prostitution and human trafficking.
While much of this came to light through New South Wales' Bergin Inquiry, Daniel Andrews continued to deny the need for any further investigation here in Victoria. This Government has rubber stamped years of bad behaviour by the Crown. The buck stops here. Weasel words won't do. Transformational reform to restore Victorians' confidence in the integrity of gaming in Victoria is the only way forward.
Pictures from Crown Melbourne Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Applications open for South Gippsland 2025 Community Leadership Program, boosting leadership skills until 2 February 2025
Committee for Gippsland hosts Morwell roundtable to discuss local opportunities in Gippsland's net zero transition
Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to shop locally this Christmas, supporting family-owned businesses to boost the regional economy
Labor's supermarket legislation fails families and farmers, prioritising bureaucracy over urgent cost-of-living crisis
Peri Urban Councils Victoria welcomes recommendation for state funding to support rapidly growing communities
South Gippsland wins 'Leadership in Climate Adaptation and Resilience' award at the Victorian Marine and Coastal Awards 2024
Baw Baw Shire advances $35M Culture and Connection Precinct with library, learning centre, and community spaces in Warragul
Darren Chester calls for new funding to advance the Traralgon bypass, Sale route, and safety upgrades
Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to take sun protection seriously as warmer weather arrives and skin cancer risks increase
Five groups and individuals awarded 2024 Lyrebird Awards for outstanding environmental conservation efforts in West Gippsland
