Victoria Minister for Gaming and Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien

Modern Gambling And Liquor Regulator One Step Closer With New Commissioners Appointed

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Gaming and Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien today announced the appointment of six inaugural commissioners to Victoria’s new combined gambling and liquor regulator, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR).

The new Chairperson of the VCGLR is Victoria’s current Director of Liquor Licensing, Mark Brennan. Bruce Thompson, currently Chairperson of the state’s gambling regulator, and Gail Owen has been appointed as Deputy Chairpersons. Kate Hamond, Des Powell and Robert Kerr have been appointed as additional Commissioners.

“These appointments are important in delivering the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to streamline and improve the regulation of gambling and liquor.” Mr. O’Brien said.

“These appointments are a significant milestone in the establishment of a modern, agile regulator that engages, educates and enforces.”

“It will be the role of the Commissioners to apply Victoria’s gambling and liquor licensing laws through consistent and transparent decisions that minimise harm, develop responsible industries and respond to diverse community expectations.”

“Led by Mr. Brennan, this team has the leadership skills, experience and ability to engage industry and the community.”

“I congratulate the Commissioners on their appointments and look forward to their contribution to the VCGLR.”

The appointments are for two years and will take effect on the commencement of the new Commission on 6 February 2012.

Mr. O’Brien acknowledged the work of the outgoing Commissioners of the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation.

“The Coalition Government appreciates the work of Judith King and Ches Baragwanath and thanks them for their dedication and public service as commissioners of the VCGR.”

VCGLR Appointments

Mr. Brennan was appointed Director, Liquor Licensing in May 2010 having served as Small Business Commissioner since 2003. Prior to that Mr. Brennan was self-employed as Principal of MA Brennan and Associates for three years. Mr. Brennan was previously employed as Executive Director, Small Business in the former Department of State Development, as a barrister and solicitor in private practice and in a range of roles in the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.

Mr. Thompson is currently Chairperson of the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation, having been appointed for a five-year term in September 2009. Mr. Thompson is a non-executive director of SMS Management & Technology Ltd, a consulting, technology and systems integration company, as well as a director of the Box Hill Institute of TAFE. He is a former Chairman and Managing Director of Hewlett Packard (Aus.) and former CEO of Keycorp Ltd.

Ms. Owen is currently an additional commissioner of the VCGR, having been appointed for a five-year term in January 2010. Ms Owen is a Partner in HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and has also held senior legal positions with Gadens Lawyers, Blake Dawson Waldron, EZ Industries Ltd and CRA Ltd.

Ms. Hamond is currently Chairman of the Board of Third Age Directions Pty Ltd, which provides advice and support to retirement and ageing communities. Prior to this Ms. Hamond was Chief Executive Officer of the Retirement Villages Association and served as Legal Ombudsman between 1999 and 2005. Ms Hamond is a member of the Board of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust.

Mr. Kerr has a background as a senior policy executive with the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments. Currently an economic consultant, Mr Kerr was a commissioner at the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission between 2004 and 2010 and Head of Office at the Productivity Commission from 1996 to 2004. He is also a member of the Victorian Government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme Implementation Taskforce.

Mr. Powell has experience in regulatory and governance matters within the public sector. He is currently self-employed as a Director of Powell Management Services Pty Ltd. Between 2001 and 2003, Mr. Powell was Executive Director, Ports and Marine at the then Department of Infrastructure and prior to this held various executive management roles with Mayne Nickless Pty Ltd. Mr. Powell is a Director of the Port of Melbourne Corporation and Chairperson of the Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council and a former commissioner of the State Services Authority.