The Queensland government has announced a package of regulatory reforms designed to ease operational pressures on the state’s hospitality industry while maintaining oversight of liquor and gaming operations.
The changes, effective December 1, will eliminate cheques as the default payment method for gaming machine transactions as Australia phases out the payment system nationwide. The amendments also clarify that the state’s keno licensee can use modern payment methods for unclaimed prizes and unused keno dollars owed to the government.
In a move to address security concerns, venue operators will now be permitted to leave gaming machine doors open after gaming operations conclude for the day. The change aims to deter break-ins and damage by making it visible that machines contain no cash.
“Allowing gaming machine doors to remain open until the next trading period will also deter break-ins and theft and reduce damage,” said Attorney-General Deb Frecklington.
The government has also revised the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation Commissioner’s Guideline 40, which had not been updated to reflect inflation and rising construction costs. The updated guideline will reduce compliance requirements for licensees undertaking renovations and facility improvements.
Additional reforms include limiting onsite administrative compliance activities during peak trading hours and streamlining licensing processes. The regulatory agency will also update training materials to support licensees better.
The changes follow consultation with hospitality stakeholders and represent what the Crisafulli Government describes as a reset for the sector after what it characterised as a decade of decline.
“This means more vibrant venues, more investment, and more opportunities for Queenslanders to enjoy world-class hospitality,” Frecklington said, adding that the reforms maintain effective regulatory oversight while providing enhanced industry support.
The government said it will continue working with hotels and clubs to identify additional opportunities to reduce red tape.
