Tuesday 26 March 2024
The Victorian Liberals and Nationals today note the determination of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) that Crown Melbourne is suitable to operate the Melbourne Casino.
This step is the latest in a sorry saga which saw Crown engage in conduct the Royal Commission described as “variously illegal, dishonest, unethical and exploitative” all while the Labor Government and its regulators were asleep at the wheel.
It should be remembered that the disgraceful behaviour at Crown was only revealed by investigations interstate and that the Labor Government resisted any Victorian inquiry for years.
It was only on the cusp of the Liberals and Nationals achieving a Parliamentary select committee inquiry into Crown, that the Government ultimately folded and called the Finkelstein Royal Commission.
The onus is now on the Allan Labor Government and its regulator to ensure the shameful conduct of the past is not repeated.
Furthermore, in the interests of transparency, we again call on the Government to publicly release the final report of the Casino Special Manager so that all Victorians can have assurance that Crown is truly reformed.