NSW Government Establishes New Liquor and Gaming Regulator

Posted by: Hannah Sparks February 4, 2021

The Gaming and Liquor Administration Amendment Act 2015 came into effect this week, establishing the new regulatory body Liquor & Gaming NSW, which encompasses both the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing and Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority.

The act was passed by the NSW Government towards the end of last year with the purpose of creating a stronger and singular state regulatory body for the liquor and gaming industries. L&G NSW, within the Department of Justice, will now undertake the work previously performed by both OLGR and ILGA.

Specifically, L&G NSW will be responsible for compliance, enforcement and licensing functions, including determining licensing applications under delegation from ILGA.

“The reform focuses the establishment of a new fit for purpose regulator, as well as improving processes and transparency”, L&G NSW said. “It aims to significantly improve licensing processes and efficiency, reduce confusion, enhance service quality and customer convenience and improve communication with stakeholders.”

While the liquor and gaming functions of OLGR have been absorbed into L&G NSW, a separate Office of Racing will be established within the Liquor, Gaming & Emergency Management Division. A spokesperson for the division has said that the OLGR name will eventually be phased out.

ILGA will retain its legislative responsibilities in relation to liquor and gaming licensing and disciplinary decisions, but will now delegate lower level, non-contentious decisions and decision making in relation to routine and high volume licensing applications to staff within L&G NSW.

The NSW Government has also abolished the position of Chief Executive Office of ILGA, passing responsibilities to the Minister.

Some stages of the act are still being rolled out, but are expected to be finalised by the end of the financial year at the latest.

More information can be found on L&G NSW’s new website, where trade will also find information previously available on OLGR and ILGA’s sites.

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