Gambling and liquor inquiry consults widely
8 September 2023
The views of young Victorians are being considered as evidence for a parliamentary probe into gambling and liquor regulation.
The Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) is also looking at gambling harm.
Both matters were subject to separate Auditor-General’s reports, which are now under review.
As part of the follow-up inquiry PAEC held youth roundtables at Parliament House with a range of young adults from across the state.
The 18- to 30-year-olds voiced their opinions and shared their lived experiences.
“ ‘I lost a lot of money and a lot of time to gambling.' ”
Fred, youth participant
The groups made several findings and recommendations for the Committee to think about.
‘This is a really big issue and I think that it’s great to have young people involved and hopefully some change can come out of it,’ Tommy, youth participant said.
PAEC MPs also met with support staff from not-for-profit organisation Meli during a site visit at Geelong in July.
Three days of public hearings have been held as well on matters relating to licensing, compliance and the harm caused by gambling, including online apps.
Key government authorities, academics, service providers and betting agency Sportsbet appeared before the Committee.
Transcripts are progressively published on the inquiry’s website, along with the 50 public submissions which are available to read.
A report to parliament with findings and recommendations is due by late November 2023.