Double departure at Victoria’s gambling regulator: CEO, chair exit

Annette Kimmitt has stepped down as CEO of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) after nearly three years at the helm of the gaming regulator.

Kimmitt’s resignation ends a significant chapter for the VGCCC, which was established in response to growing scrutiny of gambling regulation in the Australian state of Victoria.

The VGCCC has yet to name a successor for Kimmitt (pictured left), who stated that she plans to spend more time with her family.

Kimmitt, who assumed the CEO role in March 2022, brought a wealth of experience from her career in professional services, including roles at MinterEllison and Ernst & Young.

During her tenure, Kimmitt spearheaded several critical initiatives to enhance the integrity of Victoria’s gambling industry.

Her leadership saw the VGCCC implement stricter enforcement actions, including substantial penalties against Crown Melbourne for breaches of responsible gambling regulations.

Under her guidance, the VGCCC also collaborated with law enforcement and federal agencies to combat money laundering and other illicit activities in the industry.

This proactive approach signalled a shift toward more rigorous oversight, prioritising public safety and harm reduction.

VGCCC also losing Fran Thorn

Kimmitt’s departure coincides with another key leadership change at the VGCCC.

The Victorian Government has appointed Christopher O’Neill as the new chair of the commission, replacing inaugural chair Fran Thorn (pictured right).

Thorn, appointed on 1 January 2022, played a key role in establishing the VGCCC’s operational framework and setting its strategic direction.

O’Neill’s appointment continues this work, with his extensive background in law enforcement and governance expected to strengthen the commission’s regulatory effectiveness.

O’Neill, a former assistant commissioner with Victoria Police, has a distinguished 45-year career marked by his commitment to public service and governance excellence.

As chairperson, O’Neill will oversee the VGCCC’s operations and ensure that its regulatory objectives align with community expectations and the government’s harm minimisation goals.

Reinventing Victorian gambling

The Victorian Government founded the VGCCC in 2022 following the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence

The commission’s findings revealed significant failures in the regulation of Crown Resorts, including money laundering and the facilitation of gambling by excluded persons.

These revelations led to a broader call for reform in Victoria’s gambling oversight framework.

The establishment of the VGCCC as a dedicated regulator aimed to address these gaps, with a specialised focus on ensuring ethical and lawful conduct within the state’s gambling industry.

Unlike its predecessor, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR), the VGCCC operates with a singular focus on gambling.

This structural shift allows the commission to address industry-specific challenges more effectively and implement targeted measures to reduce gambling-related harm.

The VGCCC’s expanded remit includes overseeing electronic gaming machines, betting agencies, and the Melbourne casino. It’s also responsible for enforcing compliance with gambling laws and promoting responsible gambling practices.

Kimmitt’s tenure was characterised by a strong emphasis on enforcement and collaboration to meet those goals.

The VGCCC imposed some of the largest penalties in its history, sending a clear message to operators about the importance of compliance and accountability.

She also prioritised the development of new strategies to support individuals and communities affected by gambling harm, aligning the commission’s activities with its broader public health objectives.

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