Tuesday, 18 November 2025

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:34): Gambling harm builds slowly through early exposure, normalised habits and a lack of safeguards around those most at risk. Our task as a government is to lay the foundations for earlier interventions, faster responses and smarter regulation. The Allan Labor government’s work in reducing gambling harm is doing exactly that. When I visited the new offices of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission on Exhibition Street, the message from staff was clear: modern regulation is about education and prevention, not just enforcement. Their work through inspections, investigations, monitoring and risk-based compliance helps catch problems before harm takes hold. A strong regulator means early intervention and a safer gambling environment for everyone. These are the ideas that sit at the heart of journeys towards harm. New research funded by the Allan Labor government into how young people experience gambling shows that harm often begins long before someone ever places a bet, shaped by social cues, family attitudes and online behaviour. It shows that the earlier we understand those pathways, the earlier we can address that harm. That is all part of the holistic approach to preventing gambling harm: having the evidence that tells us where to move first, which is where the research will help; building a robust regulator that ensures gambling is conducted responsibly, fairly and free from criminal influence; and building the policy framework that helps people take control through our landmark reforms like reduced load-up limits and account-based play. This combination is exactly why Victoria leads the nation with harm minimisation, and it is how we work to prevent harm before it takes hold.