The Victorian liquor regulator continues its push toward “modernisation” and integration, recognising the challenges of the twenty-first hospitality environment.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) announced Stage Two of its transformation plan in August, 2015, building on progress made in the organisation’s first three years.
VCGLR’s plan for the next three years was accompanied by a new vision and purpose – reflecting community expectations around gaming and liquor, in the framework of its mandate to maintaining industry integrity while minimising harm.
In the report for FY16 recently tabled to parliament, the modernisation and changes have reportedly involved the pursuit of the ‘Information Technology Strategy 2015-18’. This has seen the implementation of the open-source and highly customisable ‘Drupal’ web platform.
The platform facilitates systems to be upgraded and consolidated and real-time reporting introduced, which has greatly reduced the reporting burden while increasing capacity, timeliness and consistency.
New systems have allowed for greater efficiency in licensing, while allowing the Regulator to correspond electronically with relevant Councils. An Integrated gambling and liquor information system delivers contemporaneous recording of inspection data and inspector mobility through the use of mobile devices.
Beginning 1 January, 2017, newcomers working in venues and requiring Responsible Service of Gaming (RSG) certification will be required to complete an online module within their first month, and a second face-to-face module within six months.
The centralised databases will better allow for all manner of private, third-party software integration, such as Electronic Incident Registers and training programs.
This integration with non-Government domains will serve to better reassure industry, promoting greater adoption, while better enabling VCGLR to conduct risk-based profiling of licensed entities, allowing field inspectors to conduct and record outcomes in real-time.
The influx of technology is intended to complement and assist the entity’s end-goals of:
- the right regulation, in the right circumstance, for the right risk
- work with industry, community and other stakeholders to reduce harm
- the best outcome using the most effective means
- engaged people with the right capabilities, working together to deliver outcomes
“We would like to recognise the tremendous work of our staff, co-regulators, partners and key stakeholders who have contributed to the VCGLR over the past 12 months,” said Catherine Myers, who has led Stage Two after being appointed Chief Executive Officer of VCGLR in July, 2015.
“We achieved a number of milestones this year with the release of our new three-year strategic plan and made significant progress to improve our technological capabilities and infrastructure.
“We look forward to the year ahead that will see the VCGLR deliver key business plan initiatives aimed at continually improving our effectiveness as a regulator.”
