Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to Legal Affairs and Safety Committee
▸38 members spoke21 support17 mixed
Supported the need for casino regulation reform but criticised the government for introducing 21 pages of amendments just before debate and for the narrow scope of the Gotterson inquiry.
“The Attorney bringing in 21 pages of 24 amendments about a review that was asked for and had to be brought in after what was happening in other states shows that this government continues to make it up as they go along.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Criticised the government for being slow to act on casino regulation and introducing 27 pages of amendments at the last minute, while supporting proper regulation of casinos.
“This bill is a rushed and half-baked attempt to address that deficiency.”— 2022-10-13View Hansard
Strongly supported the bill and priority amendments, emphasising the importance of strong regulation for the large casino in her electorate and the need for a clear message to casino operators.
“The changes proposed in the bill enhance the regulatory environment. We have to send a clear message.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill as chair of the committee, noting it implements important recommendations from the Gotterson inquiry.
“The bill recognises that the ability to conduct casino gaming is a lucrative benefit, bestowed only through licences issued by the Governor in Council.”— 2022-10-13View Hansard
Supported the bill as a step in the right direction but criticised the limited scope of the Gotterson inquiry and called for a more comprehensive inquiry with protection for witnesses.
“What sort of inquiry is it when there is no protection for witnesses? What sort of inquiry is it when a raft of major and quite disturbing allegations about abuses in this sector were not investigated?”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill while expressing concern about the late introduction of amendments.
“The LNP supports legislation that is modern, informed by best practice and evidence and ensures Queensland's casino industry is above reproach.”— 2022-10-13View Hansard
Supported the bill for strengthening casino regulation and acting on the Gotterson review recommendations, defending the government's swift action on amendments.
“The reforms in this bill will help to prevent criminal influence and exploitation in casinos.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill for strengthening casino regulation following the Gotterson inquiry.
“Running a casino is not a right; it is a privilege that can be revoked.”— 2022-10-13View Hansard
Supported the bill for enhancing casino regulation and responding to interstate inquiries.
“These reforms are considered to be examples of best practice casino regulation.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill for enhancing casino oversight and harm minimisation.
“The public expects that casino entities should take full responsibility for any misconduct.”— 2022-10-13View Hansard
Supported the need for casino reform while criticising the government's handling and the late amendments.
“The LNP supports legislation that is modern and ensures Queensland's casino industry is above reproach.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Raised concerns about the late amendments while acknowledging the need for casino regulation reform.
“Proper and effective regulation of casinos and gaming is essential to ensure Queenslanders can have confidence.”— 2022-10-13View Hansard
Raised concerns about the limited scope of the review while supporting the need for casino regulation.
“There are still issues being raised that have not been part of the inquiries.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported proper casino regulation while criticising the government's handling of the inquiry.
“The LNP supports legislation that ensures Queensland's casino industry is above reproach and thwarts criminal activity.”— 2022-10-13View Hansard
Supported the bill while criticising the government for being slow to act and for the narrow terms of reference of the Gotterson inquiry.
“The government were sitting on their hands.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's response to the Gotterson inquiry.
“This bill is the Queensland government's first response to the need for enhanced regulation of casinos.”— 2022-10-13View Hansard
Supported the bill for strengthening casino regulation and implementing Gotterson recommendations.
“The reforms will help prevent criminal influence and exploitation in Queensland casinos.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill for strengthening casino regulation and addressing misconduct.
“Where warranted, the bill permits a pecuniary penalty to be imposed for past misconduct.”— 2022-10-13View Hansard
Supported the bill for enhancing casino oversight.
“Queenslanders can have more confidence in the integrity of our casino laws.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Expressed concerns about the late amendments while supporting the overall objective of proper casino regulation.
“The LNP supports legislation that is modern, informed by best practice.”— 2022-10-13View Hansard
Supported the bill while raising concerns about the limited scope of the inquiry.
“There has not been enough scrutiny on the range of issues.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill for improving casino oversight and accountability.
“The bill addresses Mr Gotterson's recommendation that the Casino Control Act be amended to provide for the appointment of a special manager.”— 2022-10-13View Hansard
Supported the bill for modernising gambling legislation and strengthening casino oversight.
“The bill will modernise Queensland's gambling legislation.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Raised concerns about the government's handling of casino regulation while not opposing the bill.
“The government did not consider it would have to do more.”— 2022-10-13View Hansard
Supported the bill for strengthening casino regulation.
“These reforms are considered to be examples of best practice.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill for enhancing casino oversight and implementing Gotterson recommendations.
“The reforms will help ensure Queenslanders can have confidence in the integrity of our casino laws.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill while raising concerns about casinos in North Queensland not being covered.
“There have been matters raised about the bill in North Queensland.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill for strengthening casino regulation.
“The bill provides for stronger regulatory oversight.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill for enhancing casino oversight.
“These reforms are a step in the right direction.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill for implementing Gotterson recommendations and strengthening casino regulation.
“The reforms will help prevent criminal influence.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the need for reform while criticising the late amendments.
“The LNP supports legislation that ensures Queensland's casino industry is above reproach.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill for implementing Gotterson recommendations.
“The Queensland government supports the recommendations of the Gotterson review.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill for strengthening casino oversight.
“The reforms are considered to be examples of best practice.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill for implementing casino regulation reforms.
“These reforms will help ensure Queenslanders can have confidence.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill while criticising the late amendments.
“The opposition supports proper casino regulation.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill while raising concerns about scrutiny.
“There needs to be proper oversight.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill while criticising the process.
“The LNP supports legislation that ensures Queensland's casino industry is above reproach.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
Supported the need for reform while raising concerns about the process.
“Proper regulation is essential.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard
That the amendment be agreed to
The motion passed.
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Ayes (49)
Noes (36)
That the motion, as amended, be agreed to
The motion passed.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (49)
Noes (36)
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill implements reforms across gambling, wagering and charitable fundraising sectors following casino integrity failures in other states. It strengthens casino regulation with new duties and penalties up to $50 million, modernises gambling laws for cashless payments, allows betting on simulated racing events at retail outlets, extends New Year's Eve gaming hours, and lets nationally-registered charities fundraise in Queensland without separate state approval.
Who it affects
Casino operators face stronger regulation and potential major penalties, while casino employees benefit from simpler licensing. Nationally-registered charities can fundraise in Queensland immediately, and punters may see new cashless and simulated event betting options.
Casino integrity and regulation
Strengthens casino oversight following Crown and Star casino failures found by interstate royal commissions. Introduces new obligations for casino operators to cooperate with regulators and report breaches, enables appointment of external advisers, and allows pecuniary penalties up to $50 million as an alternative to licence cancellation.
- Casino operators must self-report breaches within 5 days and comply with all reasonable regulator requests
- Pecuniary penalties up to $50 million can be imposed for serious misconduct
- External advisers can be appointed at casino operator expense to investigate matters
- Letters of censure can now be published publicly on the department website
- Detention power for suspected cheaters removed as incompatible with human rights
Cashless gambling and harm minimisation
Modernises eight gambling Acts to remove barriers to cashless payment methods and enable regulation of emerging gambling technologies. Provides new regulation-making powers for harm minimisation measures that can be prescribed as technology evolves.
- Alternative payment methods can be approved for casino chips, gaming tokens and player accounts
- New gambling equipment definitions capture cashless payment systems for evaluation and approval
- Regulations can prescribe harm minimisation measures with 200 penalty unit fines for non-compliance
- Gaming rules can be published on department website instead of the gazette
Simulated events wagering
Creates a framework for betting on computer-simulated racing and sporting events where outcomes are determined by random number generators. Products must be approved by the Minister and can only be offered at physical betting shops, not online or by phone.
- TAB can offer wagering on simulated racing and sporting events at retail outlets
- Bets on simulated events prohibited online or by phone as a harm minimisation measure
- Simulated event random number generators must be evaluated and approved
- Minister can withdraw approval for any reason considered appropriate
New Year's Eve gaming hours
Formalises longstanding administrative arrangements by automatically extending gaming hours until 2am on New Year's Day for all venues with gaming machines, matching existing liquor hour extensions.
- Gaming hours automatically extended to 2am on New Year's Day without application
- Aligns gaming and liquor trading hours for New Year's Eve celebrations
Charitable fundraising reform
Reduces regulatory burden for charities by allowing those registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission to fundraise in Queensland upon notification, without a separate state registration process.
- ACNC-registered charities gain deemed registration to fundraise upon notifying Queensland
- Public objection process for charity registrations removed to speed up approvals
- Conduct and reporting requirements still apply to deemed registrants
- Minister can end deemed registration for breaches or mismanagement
Casino employee licensing simplification
Removes redundant requirements from casino employee licensing to enable online applications and reduce administrative burden ahead of The Star Brisbane opening.
- Fingerprint and photograph requirements removed from licence applications
- Letter of intent to employ from casino operator no longer required
- Notification of employment commencement no longer required
- Approval for training nominees no longer required