Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Daniel Andrews desperate to stop any investigation of regulator failure to police alleged criminal activity at Crown CasinoThe Andrews Labor Government is scrambling to save face today with its decision to establish a new casino and gambling regulator before the Crown Casino Royal Commission delivers its final report. By news@gippsland - 3rd August 2021 - Back to News The announcement comes a day before State Parliament is due to consider a motion to establish a parliamentary inquiry to put Victoria's gambling regulator under the microscope. Daniel Andrews never wanted this Royal Commission.
Daniel Andrews is desperate to stop any investigation of the regulator's failure to police alleged criminal activity at Crown, but he real question is why, and what is Labor hiding?
Deserve transparent government
Victorians deserve an open and transparent government - one that values accountability over cover-ups. Labor's decision to establish a new regulator now, without holding an independent inquiry into the failings of the existing regulator or waiting for the Royal Commission's final report, is hypocritical.
Under Labor Victoria's gaming regulator has monumentally failed. It has given Crown a free pass, with former inspectors saying the regulator discouraged investigations into the casino. Despite these concerns, the government refused to allow the regulator to be investigated by the Royal Commission.
What is labor hiding?
Daniel Andrews is desperate to stop any investigation of the regulator's failure to police alleged criminal activity at Crown. The real question is why. What is Labor hiding?
Council select committee - Inquiry into Crown casino
Below is the motion to be considered by State Parliament's Upper House on Wednesday (August 4).
Mr O'Donohue said, "I give notice, that on the next day of meeting, I will move, that - "
| Council select committee - Inquiry into Crown casino
|
| 1. this House - |
| (a) notes the allegations regarding the regulation of Crown Casino and criticisms of the
performance of the current regulatory regime; |
| (b) further notes allegations regarding the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor
Regulation's failure to investigate the possible corruption of AFL betting markets;
|
| (c) calls on the Andrews Labor Government to amend the Terms of Reference for the Finkelstein
Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence, within seven days of the House
agreeing to this resolution, by inserting a paragraph that states "If you consider the casino
regulatory regime, including the regulator, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor
Regulation, suitable and whether you consider changes relevant to the casino regulatory
regime are required";
|
| (d) further notes the findings of recent New South Wales inquiries into Crown Casino under
section 143 of the Casino Control Act 1992 (NSW);
|
| (e) further notes the findings of Commissioner Patricia Bergin and the recommendations
concerning Crown Resorts and the more general recommendations for a new regulatory body,
an independent Casino Control Commission, that should be established via legislation to act
as a dedicated, stand alone, specialist casino regulator with the powers of a standing royal
commission;
|
| 2. Terms of reference |
| If no variation of the Terms of Reference pursuant to paragraph (1)(c) has been gazetted within
seven days of the House agreeing to this resolution, as advised to Members by the Clerk, a Select
Committee be established to inquire into, consider and report, by 20 December 2021, on the
implications of the Bergin Inquiry findings with respect to the existing Crown Casino licence in
Victoria and casino regulation more generally in Victoria and the regulator's failure to investigate the
possible corruption of AFL betting markets;
|
| 3. The clerk and report |
| If the Committee proposes to transmit a report for the Inquiry to the House on a day when the
House is not sitting, the Chair may give the report to the Clerk and - |
| (a) the Clerk must - |
- (i) as soon as practicable after the report is received give a copy of the report to each Member
of the House;
|
- (ii) as soon as practicable after the report is received cause the report to be published on the
Tabled Documents Database and the Committee's website;
|
- (iii) cause the report to be tabled in the House on the next sitting day of the House;
|
| (b) The report |
| 4. Committee members |
| The Committee shall consist of seven Members comprising three Members from the Government
nominated by the Leader of the Government in the Council, two Members from the Opposition
nominated by the Leader of the Opposition in the Council and two Members from among the
remaining Members in the Council nominated jointly by minority groups and independent Members;
|
| 5. Majority of the members |
| Majority of the Members appointed pursuant to paragraph (4) will constitute a quorum of the
Committee;
|
| 6. Committee chair |
| The Chair of the Committee must be a non-Government Member; |
| 7. Exercising vote |
| In addition to exercising a deliberative vote, when votes on a question are equally divided, the Chair,
or the Deputy Chair when acting as chair, shall have a casting vote;
|
| 8. Proceed to conduct business |
| The Committee shall proceed to conduct business within seven days of its establishment,
notwithstanding that all Members have not been appointed and notwithstanding any vacancy;
|
| 9. Sel-established investigation |
| The Committee may examine, call for, and compel evidence in relation to the Victorian Commission
for Gambling and Liquor Regulation's recently announced, self-established investigation;
|
| 10. Consistent with the powers |
| Consistent with the powers of the Legislative Council, the Committee may - |
| (a) Compel witnesses to attend the Committee; |
| (b) require the production of documents and other things; and |
| 11. Resolution provisions |
| The foregoing provisions of this resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with the Standing and
Sessional Orders or practices of both Houses will have effect notwithstanding anything contained in
the Standing and Sessional Orders or practices of both Houses
|
Pictures from Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction. - AFL investigating alleged racism at Omeo District grand final following online video reports
AFL is investigating alleged racism at the Omeo District grand final after online videos surfaced. MP Tim Bull condemned the behaviour, stressing racism is unacceptable and must never be tolerated in community sport. - Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. - Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences. - Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation. - Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally. - Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections. - Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation. - Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists. - Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery. - Melina Bath criticises Labor government, calling Myki's delayed tap-and-go rollout a "mythical unicorn," outdated and incompatible
Victoria's long-promised tap-and-go public transport system has been delayed until 2028, leaving commuters, especially in regional areas, still reliant on outdated Myki cards and paper tickets - Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances. - Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection. - Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes. - Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal. - Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, inconveniencing locals
Danny O'Brien condemns the Labor government for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, restricting public access and causing significant inconvenience for Gippsland communities who rely on local court assistance. - Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017. - Danny O'Brien condemns Labor for empty social housing amid growing waitlists and rental shortages in Gippsland
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for leaving social housing vacant as waitlists grow, citing fewer homes, shrinking rental availability, rising costs, and failed policies driving investment away in Gippsland South. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
|
|
