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This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.


GAMBLING HARM REDUCTION (PROTECTING PROBLEM GAMBLERS AND OTHER MEASURES) BILL 2014

 

 

2013-2014 

 

The Parliament of the 

Commonwealth of Australia 

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

 

 

 

 

Presented and read a first time 

 

 

 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting 

Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) 

Bill 2014 

 

No.      , 2014 

 

(Mr Wilkie) 

 

 

 

A Bill for an Act to provide a regulatory 

framework for poker machines that will reduce the 

harm to problem gamblers, and for related 

purposes 

   

   

   

 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012       i 

Contents 

Part 1--Preliminary 

1

 

1  Short title ...................................................................................................... 1

 

2  Commencement ............................................................................................ 1

 

3  Object of Act ................................................................................................. 2

 

4  Application of Act ........................................................................................ 2

 

5  Relationship with State and Territory law .................................................... 2

 

6  Definitions .................................................................................................... 2

 

7  Constitutional limitations .............................................................................. 3

 

Part 2--Restrictions on the operation of poker machines 

4

 

8  Management and utilisation of poker machines ............................................ 4

 

9  Regulation of parameters of practical operation of poker machines ............. 5

 

10  Variation of parameters of practical operation of poker machines ............. 5

 

Part 3--Implementation of mandatory precommitment 

capabilities 

6

 

11  Poker machines to be capable of precommitment ....................................... 6

 

12  Mandatory registration process for users .................................................... 6

 

13  Identification requirements during registration ........................................... 7

 

14  Self exclusion from poker machines--setting a loss limit of $0 ................. 7

 

15  Requirements for limit periods ................................................................... 7

 

16  Changing loss limits and limit periods after initial registration .................. 8

 

17  When changes to loss limits or limit periods may take effect ..................... 9

 

18  Identification of registered user .................................................................. 9

 

19  Monitoring and transmitting expenditure and winnings ........................... 10

 

20  Precommitment information for registered user ....................................... 11

 

21  No use of poker machine after loss limit reached ..................................... 12

 

22  Capability requirement for precommitment systems ................................ 13

 

23  Transaction statement for registered user ................................................. 13

 

24  Additional requirements for precommitment systems .............................. 14

 

25  Approving precommitment systems and variations to approved 

terms and conditions ........................................................................ 14

 

26  Notification of approvals .......................................................................... 15

 

27  Changes to precommitment requirements ................................................. 16

 

28  Revocation of approvals ........................................................................... 16

 

29  Reviewable decisions before the AAT ...................................................... 16

 

Part 4--ATM withdrawal limit for poker machine premises 

17

 

30  ATM withdrawal limit for poker machine premises ................................. 17

 

31  Indexation ................................................................................................. 17

 

32  Anti-avoidance--determination of poker machine premises .................... 17

 

33  Exemptions from the operation of Part 4 .................................................. 18

 

34  Reviewable decisions before the AAT ...................................................... 19

 

 

 

ii       Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012 

Part 5--The Regulator 

20

 

35  The Regulator ........................................................................................... 20

 

36  Functions of the Regulator ........................................................................ 20

 

37  Powers of the Regulator ............................................................................ 20

 

38  Regulator may charge for services ............................................................ 21

 

39  Arrangements with other agencies ............................................................ 21

 

40  Consultants ............................................................................................... 21

 

41  Minister may give directions to the Regulator .......................................... 21

 

42  Annual report ............................................................................................ 21

 

Part 6--Civil penalties 

23

 

43  Pecuniary penalties for contravention of civil penalty provisions ............ 23

 

44  Contravening a civil penalty provision is not an offence .......................... 24

 

45  Recovery of a pecuniary penalty ............................................................... 24

 

Part 7--Minimum uniform national standards and national 

monitoring network 

25

 

46  Uniform national standards and national monitoring network .................. 25

 

Part 8--Miscellaneous 

26

 

47  Regulations ............................................................................................... 26

 

 

 

 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012       1 

A Bill for an Act to provide a regulatory 

framework for poker machines that will reduce the 

harm to problem gamblers, and for related 

purposes 

The Parliament of Australia enacts: 

Part 1--Preliminary 

   

1  Short title 

 

  This Act may be cited as the Gambling Harm Reduction 

(Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014

10 

2  Commencement 

11 

 

  This Act commences the day on which it receives Royal Assent. 

12 

   

Part 1  Preliminary 

   

 

Section 3 

 

2            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

3  Object of Act 

 

  The object of this Act is to 

reduce the harm caused by problem 

poker machine gambling, by limiting the rate of poker 

machine losses that can occur, through the regulation of the 

parameters of the practical operation of poker machines

4  Application of Act 

 

  This Act extends to the external Territories. 

5  Relationship with State and Territory law 

 

  This Act is not intended to exclude or limit the concurrent 

operation of any law of a State or Territory, to the extent that the 

10 

law is capable of operating concurrently with this Act. 

11 

6  Definitions 

12 

 

  In this Act: 

13 

Australia, when used in a geographical sense, includes the external 

14 

Territories. 

15 

automatic teller machine means any device that acts a banking 

16 

terminal and dispenses cash to users facilitated by inserting a cash 

17 

or credit card containing the user's account number and PIN on a 

18 

magnetic stripe including, inter alia, a unit containing cash and 

19 

cash out facilities operated through EFTPOS machines. 

20 

civil penalty provision has the meaning given by subsection 8(6). 

21 

corporation means a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the 

22 

Constitution applies. 

23 

game, in relation to a poker machine, means a play, or a series of 

24 

plays, initiated by the application of a monetary credit registered 

25 

on the machine. 

26 

jackpot, in relation to a poker machine, means the combination of 

27 

letters, numbers, symbols or representations as part of a game on 

28 

   

Preliminary  Part 1 

   

 

Section 7  Constitutional limitations 

 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012            3 

that machine that pays the maximum winnings payable on that 

machine for any one combination. 

licence means a poker machine licence issued under a law of a 

State or Territory relating to poker machines. 

licensed venue means a venue for which a licence is in force. 

linked-jackpot arrangement means an arrangement under which a 

single jackpot operates over two or more poker machines. 

precommitment means the ability of players to, prior to 

commencing play, set a limit on the total amount they are prepared 

to wager for a certain period and, when this limit is reached, the 

10 

player is unable continue play. 

11 

poker machine includes: 

12 

 

(a)  gaming machine; and 

13 

 

(b)  any machine licensed or required to be licensed for use in a 

14 

State or Territory as a poker machine or gaming machine. 

15 

7  Constitutional limitations 

16 

 

(1)  A power conferred by this Act must not be exercised in such a way 

17 

as to: 

18 

 

(a)  discriminate between States or parts of States within the 

19 

meaning of paragraph 51(ii) of the Constitution; or 

20 

 

(b)  give preference to one State or any part of a State within the 

21 

meaning of section 99 of the Constitution. 

22 

(2)  A power conferred by this Act must not be exercised in such a way 

23 

that the exercise would infringe section 92 of the Constitution. 

 

24 

   

Part 2  Restrictions on the operation of poker machines 

   

 

Section 8 

 

4            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

Part 2--Restrictions on the operation of poker 

machines 

   

8  Management and utilisation of poker machines 

 

(1)  A corporation must not, after 31 December 2015, sell or lease, or 

offer to sell or lease, a poker machine for use in Australia unless 

the machine is capable of complying with each requirement in 

section 9 and Part 3. 

 

(2)  A corporation must not, after 31 December 2019, sell or lease, or 

offer to sell or lease, a poker machine for use in Australia unless 

10 

the machine complies with each requirement in section 9 and 

11 

Part 3. 

12 

 

(3)  A corporation that operates a licensed venue with more than five 

13 

(5) poker machines must not, after 31 December 2019, acquire, 

14 

install, own, operate or lease a poker machine unless the machine 

15 

complies with each requirement in section 9 and Part 3. 

16 

 

(4)  A corporation that operates a licensed venue with five (5) or fewer 

17 

poker machines must not, after 31 December 2021, acquire, install, 

18 

own, operate or lease a poker machine unless the machine 

19 

complies with each requirement in section 9 and Part 3. 

20 

 

(5)  A person must not: 

21 

 

(a)  aid, abet, counsel or procure a contravention of 

22 

subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4); or 

23 

 

(b)  induce, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, a 

24 

contravention of subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4); or 

25 

 

(c)  be in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, 

26 

or party to, a contravention of subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4); 

27 

or 

28 

 

(d)  conspire with others to effect a contravention of 

29 

subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4). 

30 

 

(6)  Subsections (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) are civil penalty provisions 

31 

and subject to pecuniary penalties provided for in Part 6. 

32 

   

Restrictions on the operation of poker machines  Part 2 

   

 

Section 9 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012            5 

9  Regulation of parameters of practical operation of poker machines 

Bank note denomination 

 

(1)  The poker machine must not accept banknotes of a denomination 

greater than $20. 

Entering credits 

 

(2)  The poker machine must not be capable of accepting additional 

credits from a player if the machine stands in credit to the player to 

the value of $20 or more. 

Maximum bet 

 

(3)  The poker machine must not be capable of allowing a maximum 

10 

bet in excess of $1 per spin. 

11 

Jackpots and linked-jackpot arrangements 

12 

 

(4)  The poker machine must not have a jackpot or a linked-jackpot 

13 

arrangement greater than $500. 

14 

Mandatory precommitment 

15 

 

(5)  The poker machine must be fitted with an operating a 

16 

precommitment system (see Part 3) approved under section 25(1). 

17 

10  Variation of parameters of practical operation of poker machines 

18 

 

  The regulations may provide for, or in relation to, the reduction of 

19 

the amounts set out in subsections 9(1), (2), (3) and (4). 

 

20 

   

Part 3  Implementation of mandatory precommitment capabilities 

 

   

 

Section 11 

 

6            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

Part 3--Implementation of mandatory 

precommitment capabilities 

11  Poker machines to be capable of precommitment 

 

  All poker machines : 

 

(a)  must be fitted with operational precommitment capabilities; 

and 

 

(b)  the precommitment system for the poker machine must 

comply with the requirements of this Part; and 

 

(c)  the precommitment system for the poker machine must be an 

approved precommitment system in accordance with 

10 

section 25(1). 

11 

12  Mandatory registration process for users 

12 

 

(1)  A precommitment system for a State or Territory must require a 

13 

person to register a loss limit for the State or Territory through that 

14 

system. 

15 

 

(2)  A precommitment system for a State or Territory must, as part of 

16 

the registration process, provide the person who registers with a 

17 

limit period for the State or Territory in accordance with 

18 

section 15. 

19 

Information to be provided on registration 

20 

 

(3)  A precommitment system for the State or Territory must inform the 

21 

person who has registered of the following, as part of the 

22 

registration process: 

23 

 

(a)  that the person's loss limit for the State or Territory applies 

24 

for the person's limit period for the State or Territory; 

25 

 

(b)  when the person's first limit period for the State or Territory 

26 

starts; 

27 

 

(c)  that each limit period for the State or Territory starts 

28 

immediately after the previous limit period ends (unless the 

29 

system allows a person to change when a person's limit 

30 

period starts). 

31 

   

Implementation of mandatory precommitment capabilities 

  Part 3 

   

 

Section 13 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012            7 

 

(4)  The regulations may prescribe requirements relating to the form, 

frequency, content and position of the information provided for the 

purposes of subsection (3). 

13  Identification requirements during registration 

 

(1)  A precommitment system for a State or Territory may use a 

signature or photograph to identify a person who chooses to 

register through the precommitment system. 

 

(2)  A precommitment system for a State or Territory must not use 

biometric processes to identify a person who chooses to register 

through the precommitment system. 

10 

 

(3)  The regulations may: 

11 

 

(a)  prescribe a manner of identifying a person who chooses to 

12 

register through a precommitment system for a State or 

13 

Territory (subject to subsection (2)); and 

14 

 

(b)  prohibit a manner of identifying a person who chooses to 

15 

register through a precommitment system for a State or 

16 

Territory. 

17 

 

(4)  A precommitment system for a State or Territory must comply 

18 

with regulations made for the purposes of subsection (3). 

19 

14  Self exclusion from poker machines--setting a loss limit of $0 

20 

 

(1)  A person may, through a precommitment system for a State or 

21 

Territory, set a loss limit for the State or Territory of $0 having the 

22 

effect that the person is unable to place bets on poker machines in 

23 

that State or Territory. 

24 

 

(2)  The regulations may prescribe requirements for precommitment 

25 

systems in relation to persons who set loss limits of $0. 

26 

15  Requirements for limit periods 

27 

 

(1)  A precommitment system for a State or Territory must ensure that 

28 

a person's limit period for that State or Territory complies at all 

29 

times with this section. 

30 

   

Part 3  Implementation of mandatory precommitment capabilities 

 

   

 

Section 16 

 

8            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

Length of limit period 

 

(2)  Every limit period must be at least 24 hours (including a limit 

period during which a person makes a change referred to in 

section 16). 

 

(3)  A precommitment system for a State or Territory may (but does 

not have to) allow the person to nominate the length of his or her 

limit period for the State or Territory (subject to subsection (2)). 

 

(4)  If a precommitment system for a State or Territory does not allow a 

person to nominate the length of his or her limit period for the 

State or Territory, the limit period must be 24 hours. 

10 

Starting time for limit periods 

11 

 

(5)  A person's first limit period may starts upon registration. 

12 

 

(6)  A person's limit period for a State or Territory (other than a 

13 

person's first limit period) must start immediately after the 

14 

previous limit period ends. 

15 

16  Changing loss limits and limit periods after initial registration 

16 

Loss limits 

17 

 

(1)  A precommitment system for a State or Territory must require a 

18 

person who is registered for the State or Territory to do the 

19 

following: 

20 

 

(a)  to set a loss limit for the State or Territory; or 

21 

 

(b)  to change the amount of that person's loss limit for the State 

22 

or Territory. 

23 

Limit periods 

24 

 

(2)  A precommitment system for a State or Territory that allows a 

25 

person to nominate the length of his or her limit period for the 

26 

State or Territory must allow the person to change the length of 

27 

that limit period (subject to subsection 15(2)). 

28 

   

Implementation of mandatory precommitment capabilities 

  Part 3 

   

 

Section 17 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012            9 

17  When changes to loss limits or limit periods may take effect 

 

(1)  This section applies in relation to a person who is registered for a 

State or Territory. 

Loosening limits 

 

(2)  If any of the following changes are made through a precommitment 

system for the State or Territory during the person's limit period 

for the State or Territory, the precommitment system must prevent 

the change from taking effect until after the end of the limit period: 

 

(a)  an increase in the person's loss limit for the State or 

Territory; 

10 

 

(b)  a decrease in the length of the person's limit period for the 

11 

State or Territory. 

12 

Tightening limits 

13 

 

(3)  If any of the following changes are made through a precommitment 

14 

system for the State or Territory during the person's limit period 

15 

for the State or Territory, the precommitment system must enable 

16 

the change to take effect as soon as practicable: 

17 

 

(a)  a decrease in the person's loss limit for the State or Territory; 

18 

 

(b)  an increase in the person's limit period for the State or 

19 

Territory; 

20 

18  Identification of registered user 

21 

 

(1)  A person who uses a poker machine as a registered user that is 

22 

located in a State or Territory must identify himself or herself to 

23 

the precommitment system for the poker machine, in accordance 

24 

with this section, as registered for the State or Territory. 

25 

 

(2)  The precommitment system must prevent the person from using 

26 

the poker machine as a registered user unless the person has done 

27 

so. 

28 

   

Part 3  Implementation of mandatory precommitment capabilities 

 

   

 

Section 19 

 

10            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

Requirements for identification 

 

(3)  A precommitment system for a State or Territory must not use 

biometric processes to identify whether a person is registered for 

the State or Territory. 

 

(4)  The regulations may: 

 

(a)  prescribe a manner of identifying whether a person is 

registered for a State or Territory (subject to subsection (3)); 

and 

 

(b)  prohibit a manner of identifying a person as registered for a 

State or Territory. 

10 

 

(5)  A precommitment system for a State or Territory must comply 

11 

with regulations made for the purposes of subsection (4). 

12 

19  Monitoring and transmitting expenditure and winnings 

13 

 

(1)  This section applies when a person uses, as a registered user, a 

14 

poker machine that is located in a State or Territory. 

15 

 

(2)  The precommitment system for the poker machine must monitor 

16 

the following: 

17 

 

(a)  each amount of money or credit that the person spends using 

18 

that machine during the person's session of use as a 

19 

registered user; 

20 

 

(b)  each amount of money or credit that the person wins from 

21 

that machine during the person's session of use as a 

22 

registered user. 

23 

 

(3)  At the end of the person's session of use, as a registered user, of 

24 

the poker machine, the precommitment system for the poker 

25 

machine must transmit the totals of the amounts referred to in 

26 

paragraphs (2)(a) and (b) in accordance with the regulations. 

27 

 

(4)  If the person's limit period ends before his or her session of use, as 

28 

a registered user, the totals monitored and recorded under 

29 

subsection (3) must be transmitted at the end of the person's 

30 

session of use in relation to each limit period (or any part of any 

31 

limit period) that occurs during the person's session of use. 

32 

   

Implementation of mandatory precommitment capabilities 

  Part 3 

   

 

Section 20 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012            11 

20  Precommitment information for registered user 

 

(1)  A precommitment system for a poker machine that is located in a 

State or Territory must provide information in accordance with this 

section if a person who is registered for the State or Territory uses 

the poker machine as a registered user. 

Information to be provided on commencement of play 

 

(2)  At the time the person begins to use the poker machine as a 

registered user, the precommitment system must inform the person 

of the following: 

 

(a)  the person's loss limit for the State or Territory; 

10 

 

(b)  the person's limit period for the State or Territory; 

11 

 

(c)  the amount that is remaining of the person's loss limit for the 

12 

current limit period; 

13 

 

(d)  any other information prescribed by the regulations. 

14 

 

(3)  In addition to the information provided under subsection (2), the 

15 

precommitment system may also inform the person under this 

16 

section of the following: 

17 

 

(a)  the length of time since the person last set or changed his or 

18 

her loss limit for the State or Territory; 

19 

 

(b)  if the system allows the person to nominate a limit period--

20 

the length of time since the person last nominated or changed 

21 

his or her limit period for the State or Territory. 

22 

Information during use 

23 

 

(4)  If the person uses the poker machine as a registered user for at least 

24 

the period of time prescribed by the regulations, the 

25 

precommitment system must inform the person of the following: 

26 

 

(a)  the person's net losses for the State or Territory during his or 

27 

her current limit period for the State or Territory; 

28 

 

(b)  the amount that is remaining of the person's loss limit for the 

29 

current limit period; 

30 

 

(c)  any other information prescribed by the regulations. 

31 

   

Part 3  Implementation of mandatory precommitment capabilities 

 

   

 

Section 21 

 

12            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

Regulations 

 

(5)  The regulations may prescribe requirements relating to information 

provided for the purposes of this section (including, without 

limitation, in relation to the form, frequency, content and position 

of such information). 

21  No use of poker machine after loss limit reached 

Preventing a registered user from continuing to use a poker 

machine 

 

(1)  A precommitment system for a poker machine that is located in a 

State or Territory must prevent a person from continuing to use the 

10 

poker machine as a registered user if: 

11 

 

(a)  the person uses the poker machine as a registered user; and 

12 

 

(b)  during the person's limit period for the State or Territory, the 

13 

person's loss limit for the State or Territory is reached (see 

14 

subsection (3)). 

15 

 

(2)  The person must be prevented from continuing to use the poker 

16 

machine as a registered user as soon as the person's loss limit for 

17 

the State or Territory is first reached (see subsection (3)). 

18 

 

(3)  A person's loss limit for a State or Territory is reached if: 

19 

 

(a)  the person makes a bet on a poker machine that is located in 

20 

the State or Territory; and 

21 

 

(b)  after the bet is made, the person's net losses for the State or 

22 

Territory during the person's limit period for the State or 

23 

Territory equal or exceed the person's loss limit for the State 

24 

or Territory. 

25 

Preventing a registered user from using a poker machine 

26 

 

(4)  A precommitment system for a poker machine that is located in a 

27 

State or Territory must prevent a person from using the poker 

28 

machine as a registered user if: 

29 

 

(a)  during the person's current limit period for the State or 

30 

Territory, the person was, under subsection (1), prevented 

31 

from continuing to use a poker machine that is located in the 

32 

State or Territory; or 

33 

   

Implementation of mandatory precommitment capabilities 

  Part 3 

   

 

Section 22 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012            13 

 

(b)  the person has a loss limit of $0 for the State or Territory. 

22  Capability requirement for precommitment systems 

 

(1)  As part of the requirements set out in this Part 3, a precommitment 

system for a poker machine that is located in a State or Territory 

must have the capability to prevent a person who is not registered 

for the State or Territory from using the poker machine and every 

poker machine in that State or Territory.

 

 

(2)  To avoid doubt a precommitment system must be set up so as to 

require registration prior to a person being able to place bets, and 

must be linked to all other poker machines in the State or Territory 

10 

to require a person to register in that State or Territory before that 

11 

person can place any bets in the State or Territory. 

12 

23  Transaction statement for registered user 

13 

 

(1)  A precommitment system for a State or Territory must, on request 

14 

by a person who is registered for the State or Territory, provide the 

15 

person with the person's transaction statement in accordance with 

16 

this section. 

17 

 

(2)  A person's transaction statement is a written statement of the 

18 

following: 

19 

 

(a)  the person's loss limit for the State or Territory; 

20 

 

(b)  the length of time since the person last set or changed his or 

21 

her loss limit; 

22 

 

(c)  the amount of money or credit that the person has spent 

23 

using, and won from, poker machines in the State or 

24 

Territory that the person has used as a registered user during: 

25 

 

(i)  the previous 12 months; and 

26 

 

(ii)  the person's current limit period for the State or 

27 

Territory; 

28 

 

(d)  the number of times during the previous 12 months that the 

29 

person was prevented under section 21 from using, or 

30 

continuing to use, a poker machine as a registered user. 

31 

 

(3)  A person who is provided with a transaction statement must not be 

32 

charged a fee for the transaction statement. 

33 

   

Part 3  Implementation of mandatory precommitment capabilities 

 

   

 

Section 24 

 

14            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

Regulations 

 

(4)  The regulations may prescribe requirements in relation to 

transaction statements. 

24  Additional requirements for precommitment systems 

 

  The regulations may prescribe additional requirements in relation 

to precommitment systems. 

25  Approving precommitment systems and variations to approved 

terms and conditions 

Approving precommitment systems 

 

(1)  The Regulator may (subject to subsection (2)) approve, in writing, 

10 

a precommitment system for a State or Territory if the Regulator is 

11 

satisfied that: 

12 

 

(a)  an application has been made to approve the precommitment 

13 

system for the State or Territory, and any fee prescribed by 

14 

the regulations has been paid for the application; and 

15 

 

(b)  the precommitment system complies with the requirements of 

16 

Part 3; and 

17 

 

(c)  the terms and conditions on which the precommitment 

18 

system would be provided are reasonable, taking into account 

19 

the matters prescribed by the regulations. 

20 

 

(2)  The Regulator may (under subsection (1)) refuse to approve a 

21 

precommitment system for a State or Territory if the Regulator is 

22 

satisfied that, despite the precommitment system complying with 

23 

the requirements of Part 3, the precommitment system includes one 

24 

or more features that are incompatible with the object of this Act 

25 

(see section 3). This is a reviewable decision. 

26 

 

(3)  If the Regulator approves a precommitment system for a State or 

27 

Territory under subsection (1), the Regulator is taken to have 

28 

approved the terms and conditions on which the precommitment 

29 

system would be provided. 

30 

   

Implementation of mandatory precommitment capabilities 

  Part 3 

   

 

Section 26 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012            15 

Approving variations of approved terms and conditions 

 

(4)  The Regulator may approve, in writing, a variation to the approved 

terms and conditions for a precommitment system for a State or 

Territory if the Regulator is satisfied that those terms and 

conditions as varied are reasonable, taking into account the matters 

prescribed by the regulations. 

26  Notification of approvals 

Giving copies of approvals of precommitment systems 

 

(1)  As soon as practicable after giving an approval for a 

precommitment system for a State or Territory under subsection 

10 

25(1), the Regulator must give the applicant a copy of the 

11 

approval. 

12 

 

(2)  The approval must set out the approved terms and conditions for 

13 

the precommitment system. 

14 

Approving varied terms and conditions 

15 

 

(3)  If the Regulator approves a variation to the approved terms and 

16 

conditions for a precommitment system for a State or Territory, the 

17 

Regulator must vary the approval of the precommitment system to 

18 

include the variation to the approved terms and conditions. 

19 

Length of approvals of precommitment system 

20 

 

(4)  An approval of a precommitment system for a State or Territory 

21 

has effect for 10 years (unless it is revoked earlier). 

22 

Publishing approvals 

23 

 

(5)  The Regulator may publish a copy of an approval of a 

24 

precommitment system for a State or Territory (including an 

25 

approval as varied under subsection (3)) by any means the 

26 

Regulator considers appropriate. 

27 

   

Part 4  ATM withdrawal limit for poker machine premises 

   

 

Section 27 

 

16            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

27  Changes to precommitment requirements 

 

  To avoid doubt, a change to regulations made for the purposes of 

Part 3 of this Chapter applies to any approved precommitment 

system. 

28  Revocation of approvals 

 

(1)  The Regulator may revoke an approval of a precommitment system 

for a State or Territory if the Regulator is satisfied that: 

 

(a)  the precommitment system does not comply with the 

requirements of Part 3; or 

 

(b)  despite the precommitment system complying with the 

10 

requirements of Part 3, the precommitment system includes 

11 

one or more features that are incompatible with the object of 

12 

this Act (see section 3); or 

13 

 

(c)  the precommitment system is being provided on terms and 

14 

conditions other than the approved terms and conditions. 

15 

 

(2)  The Regulator must publish a notice revoking an approval of a 

16 

precommitment system for a State or Territory by any means the 

17 

Regulator considers appropriate. 

18 

29  Reviewable decisions before the AAT 

19 

 

(1)  Applications may be made (subject to the Administrative Appeals 

20 

Tribunal Act 1975) to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for 

21 

review of decisions made under section 25 and 28. 

22 

 

(2)  In this section: 

23 

decision has the same meaning as in the Administrative Appeals 

24 

Tribunal Act 1975

25 

26 

   

ATM withdrawal limit for poker machine premises  Part 4 

   

 

Section 30 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012            17 

Part 4--ATM withdrawal limit for poker machine 

premises 

30  ATM withdrawal limit for poker machine premises 

 

(1)  An automatic teller machine that is on poker machine premises 

must not allow a person to withdraw more than the cash limit. 

 

(2)  A person withdraws more than the cash limit from an automatic 

teller machine that is on premises if, after the person withdraws 

cash from the automatic teller machine, the person has withdrawn, 

using any one card, more than $250 cash in total in a period of 24 

hours from that or any other automatic teller machine that is on the 

10 

premises. 

11 

 

(3)  Nothing in this Part 4 is intended to affect a law of a State or 

12 

Territory that is capable of operating concurrently such as, inter 

13 

alia, a law that prohibits automatic teller machines from being on 

14 

poker machine premises. 

15 

31  Indexation 

16 

 

(1)  The regulations may specify: 

17 

 

(a)  an index for the purposes of this section; and 

18 

 

(b)  the manner of working out an increase in the amount of cash 

19 

mentioned in subsection 30(2) by reference to the movement 

20 

of that index over the year ending each 31 December. 

21 

 

(2)  The amount of cash referred to in subsection 30(2), for a year in 

22 

which there is an increase in the specified index, is increased in the 

23 

manner prescribed by the regulations. 

24 

32  Anti-avoidance--determination of poker machine premises 

25 

 

(1)  The Regulator may make a determination under this section if: 

26 

 

(a)  at any time after this Act commences, a person provides an 

27 

automatic teller machine at a place; and 

28 

 

(b)  it would be concluded that the person who provided the 

29 

automatic teller machine at that place did so for the sole or 

30 

   

Part 4  ATM withdrawal limit for poker machine premises 

   

 

Section 33 

 

18            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

dominant purpose of enabling a person in receipt of the 

automatic teller machine to avoid the operation of this Part or 

Part 3, having regard to the following matters: 

 

(i)  the place at which, and the manner in which, the 

automatic teller machine was provided; 

 

(ii)  the time when automatic teller machine began to be 

provided at that place. 

Determination of poker machine premises 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Part, and any other provision of this Act to 

the extent that it relates to this Part, the Regulator may, in writing, 

10 

determine that the place is, or is part of, poker machine premises. 

11 

 

(3)  A determination under subsection (2) is not a legislative 

12 

instrument. 

13 

 

(4)  For the purposes of subsection (1), it is immaterial whether the 

14 

person in receipt of the automatic teller machine is the person 

15 

mentioned in paragraph (1)(a). 

16 

33  Exemptions from the operation of Part 4 

17 

 

(1)  The regulations may prescribe premises which are exempt from the 

18 

operation of this Part 4. 

19 

 

(2)  The regulations may also prescribe conditions that must be 

20 

complied with in order for the premises to be exempt. 

21 

 

(3)  A person who occupies poker machine premises may apply to the 

22 

Regulator for the premises to be exempt from the operation of 

23 

section 30. 

24 

 

(4)  The Regulator may exempt those premises, in writing, from the 

25 

operation of that Part if the Regulator is satisfied that compliance 

26 

with the Part will cause unreasonable inconvenience to members of 

27 

the community where the premises are located. 

28 

 

(5)  The Regulator may specify, in the exemption, conditions that must 

29 

be satisfied in order for the exemption to apply and may, in 

30 

writing, vary or revoke such conditions. 

31 

 

(7)  An exemption is not a legislative instrument. 

32 

   

Regulator  Part 5 

   

 

Section  

 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012            19 

34  Reviewable decisions before the AAT 

 

(1)  Applications may be made (subject to the Administrative Appeals 

Tribunal Act 1975) to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for 

review of: 

 

(a)  decisions made under section 32 and 33; or 

 

(b)  reviewable decisions made by the Regulator personally in 

accordance with subsection 33(3) and (4). 

 

(2)  In this section: 

decision has the same meaning as in the Administrative Appeals 

Tribunal Act 1975

10 

11 

   

Part 5  Regulator 

   

 

Section 35 

 

20            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

Part 5--The Regulator 

35  The Regulator 

 

  The Regulator is the Secretary of the Department. 

36  Functions of the Regulator 

 

  The Regulator has the following functions: 

 

(a)  to administer this Act; 

 

(b)  to monitor, promote, investigate and enforce compliance with 

this Act; 

 

(c)  to collect, analyse, interpret and disseminate information 

about the operation of this Act; 

10 

 

(d)  to monitor and evaluate the operation of this Act; 

11 

 

(e)  to provide information and advice to: 

12 

 

(i)  the Minister; and 

13 

 

(ii)  the States and Territories; and 

14 

 

(iii)  the public; 

15 

 

  about the operation of this Act; 

16 

 

(f)  to undertake or commission research in relation to the 

17 

operation of this Act; 

18 

 

(g)  to cooperate with the States and Territories, and other 

19 

relevant persons, in administering this Act; 

20 

 

(h)  such other functions as are conferred on the Regulator by this 

21 

Act or any other law of the Commonwealth. 

22 

37  Powers of the Regulator 

23 

 

  The Regulator has power to do all things necessary or convenient 

24 

to be done in connection with the performance of the Regulator's 

25 

functions. 

26 

   

Regulator  Part 5 

   

 

Section 38 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012            21 

38  Regulator may charge for services 

 

(1)  The Regulator may, by legislative instrument, specify fees for 

services provided by, or on behalf of, the Regulator in the 

performance of his or her functions. 

 

(2)  A fee specified under subsection (1) must not be such as to amount 

to taxation. 

39  Arrangements with other agencies 

 

  The Regulator may make an arrangement with an agency of the 

Commonwealth, or of a State or a Territory, for the services of 

officers or employees of the agency to be made available to assist 

10 

the Regulator in performing his or her functions or duties, or 

11 

exercising his or her powers. 

12 

40  Consultants 

13 

 

  The Regulator may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage 

14 

consultants to assist in the performance of the Regulator's 

15 

functions. 

16 

41  Minister may give directions to the Regulator 

17 

 

(1)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, give a direction to the 

18 

Regulator in relation to the performance of the Regulator's 

19 

functions and the exercise of the Regulator's powers. 

20 

 

(2)  However, the Minister must not give a direction in relation to a 

21 

particular case. 

22 

 

(3)  The Regulator must comply with a direction given under 

23 

subsection (1). 

24 

42  Annual report 

25 

 

(1)  The Regulator must prepare and give to the Minister a report on the 

26 

operation of this Act during each financial year. 

27 

 

(2)  The Regulator must do so as soon as practicable after the end of 

28 

each financial year. 

29 

   

Part 6  Civil penalties 

   

 

Section 42 

 

22            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

 

(3)  The report must be included in the Department's annual report for 

that financial year. 

 

(4)  Without limiting subsection (1), a report for a financial year must 

include information in relation to the following: 

 

(a)  any offence against this Act of which a person was convicted 

during the year, and the penalty imposed on the person; 

 

(b)  any civil penalty provision in relation to which a civil penalty 

order was made against a person during the year, and the 

amount of any penalty that the person was ordered to pay to 

the Commonwealth; 

10 

 

(c)  any action taken in order to enforce this Act; 

11 

 

(d)  any other matter specified by the regulations. 

12 

13 

   

Civil penalties  Part 6 

   

 

Section 43 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012            23 

Part 6--Civil penalties 

43  Pecuniary penalties for contravention of civil penalty provisions 

Application for order 

 

(1)  Within 6 years of a person (the wrongdoer) contravening a civil 

penalty provision, the Minister may apply on behalf of the 

Commonwealth to the Federal Court of Australia for an order that 

the wrongdoer pay the Commonwealth a pecuniary penalty. 

Court may order wrongdoer to pay pecuniary penalty 

 

(2)  If the Court is satisfied that a person has contravened a civil 

penalty provision, the Court may order the person to pay to the 

10 

Commonwealth such pecuniary penalty, in respect of each 

11 

contravention, as the Court determines to be appropriate. 

12 

Determining amount of pecuniary penalty 

13 

 

(3)  In determining the pecuniary penalty, the Court must have regard 

14 

to all relevant matters, including: 

15 

 

(a)  the nature, extent and circumstances of the contravention; 

16 

and 

17 

 

(b)  the nature and extent of any loss or damage suffered as a 

18 

result of the contravention; and 

19 

 

(c)  whether the person has previously been found by the Court in 

20 

proceedings under this Act to have engaged in any similar 

21 

conduct.  

22 

 

(4)  In assessing the extent of any loss or damage, the Court may 

23 

consider the harm that is caused to vulnerable people, to their 

24 

families and to Australian society by the use of poker machines. 

25 

 

(5)  The pecuniary penalty payable under subsection (2) is not to 

26 

exceed: 

27 

 

(a)  in the case of two or fewer machines affected by a 

28 

contravention, 500 penalty units for each poker machine 

29 

affected by a contravention; or 

30 

   

Part 6  Civil penalties 

   

 

Section 44 

 

24            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

 

(b)  in the case of three or more machines affected by a 

contravention, 2,000 penalty units for each poker machine 

affected by a contravention. 

 

(6)  A failure to comply with more than one subsection in section 9, 

Part 3 or 4 constitutes more than one contravention of a civil 

penalty provision even if that contravention relates to the same 

conduct. 

 

(7)  A person who contravenes a civil penalty provision commits a 

separate contravention of that provision in respect of each day 

(including a day of the making of a relevant civil penalty order or 

10 

any subsequent day) during which the contravention continues. 

11 

 

(8)  A person who contravenes a civil penalty provision commits a 

12 

separate contravention of that provision in respect of each machine 

13 

that is affected by the contravention. 

14 

 

(9)  The pecuniary penalty payable under subsection (2) for such a 

15 

separate contravention in respect of a particular day must not 

16 

exceed 10% of the maximum pecuniary penalty that could have 

17 

been imposed for the contravention if subsection (7) had not been 

18 

enacted. 

19 

44  Contravening a civil penalty provision is not an offence 

20 

 

  A contravention of a civil penalty provision is not an offence. 

21 

45  Recovery of a pecuniary penalty 

22 

 

  If the Federal Court orders a person to pay a pecuniary penalty: 

23 

 

(a)  the penalty is payable to the Commonwealth; and 

24 

 

(b)  the Commonwealth may enforce the order as if it were a 

25 

judgment of the Court. 

 

26 

   

Minimum uniform national standards and national monitoring network  Part 7 

   

 

Section 46 

 

Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 2014       

No.      , 2012            25 

Part 7--Minimum uniform national standards and 

national monitoring network 

46  Uniform national standards and national monitoring network 

 

(1)  The Minister must take all reasonable steps to ensure that, in 

consultation with the Council of Australian Governments and the 

Ministerial Council on Gambling: 

 

(a)  minimum uniform national standards for poker machines are 

developed that encompass harm minimisation best practice, 

with particular reference to maximum losses; and 

 

(b)  the minimum uniform national standards developed under 

10 

paragraph (a) are in place and take effect from 1 January 

11 

2019; and 

12 

 

(c)  a national poker machine monitoring network is established. 

13 

 

(2)  Consultation in accordance with subsection (1) must commence 

14 

within 90 days of this Act receiving the Royal Assent. 

 

15 

   

Part 8  Miscellaneous 

   

 

Section 47 

 

26            Gambling Harm Reduction (Protecting Problem Gamblers and Other Measures) Bill 

2014       No.      , 2012 

Part 8--Miscellaneous 

47  Regulations 

 

  The Governor-General may make regulations prescribing matters: 

 

(a)  required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or 

 

(b)  necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or 

giving effect to this Act. 

 


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