Thursday, 27 August 2026

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Finance, Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Government Services) (12:26): I rise to update the house on the Carroll Labor government’s work to reduce gambling-related harm across our state. We know that gambling-related harm can have serious consequences for individuals, families and communities. That is why our government has strengthened Victoria’s regulatory framework to improve protections for consumers and reduce harm in our communities. Our Labor government has already delivered strict restrictions on the promotion and advertising of pokies machines; a mandate for clear, evidence-based warnings, including the direct message ‘Chances are you’re about to lose’; implementation of the national consumer protection framework for online wagering; and a ban on static betting advertising near schools, along roads and on public transport. Together, these reforms reduce exposure to gambling advertising, strengthen consumer protections and help Victorians make more informed decisions. But effective reform must be guided by reliable evidence. That is why last month we launched the Victorian casino gambling data repository, acquitting a key recommendation of the royal commission into Victoria’s casino operator and licence. This is a first-of-its-kind reform. It is a resource that brings together a range of casino gambling datasets and makes them available to approved researchers.

Researchers can now apply for access through the Department of Justice and Community Safety website. By making this information available we can support research that deepens our understanding of casino gaming and informs more effective harm minimisation measures. This is about turning better evidence into better policy and ultimately stronger protections for Victorians. Whilst others in this chamber will grandstand for a good social media post, we will continue to strengthen regulations, support rigorous research and take practical action to protect Victorians from gambling-related harm, because our government is about actions, not just performative outrage.