Prominent Victorian gambling regulator Annette Kimmitt is retiring from her position as chief executive of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).
Kimmitt has led the VGCCC for over two-and-half years and has overseen the Commission’s extended role in the wake of the Royal Commission into Crown.
She has also played a key role in regulating Tabcorp, with VGCCC issuing several penalties against the wagering giant, including a $4.6 million fine in August for non-compliance with its obligations and $270,000 in June for failing to stop a minor from gambling.
“What an incredible privilege it’s been to lead the establishment of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission following the Royal Commission into Crown Casino,” Kimmitt said on her LinkedIn profile.
“I’m so proud of the work our team has done to hold the gambling industry to account over that time - almost $260 million in fines and, in the last financial year alone, 88 disciplinary actions against operators and their staff and associates who failed to step up to their obligations.”
“Our team at VGCCC continues to go from strength to strength and I’m grateful for the courage they’ve all displayed. I’ll be stepping away from full-time executive work at the end of March and looking forward to welcoming my first grandchild just before then.”
Kimmitt was also unwittingly dragged into the scandal surrounding the departure of Tabcorp CEO Adam Rytenskild, who was alleged to have made an improper remark about her in an internal Tabcorp meeting in August last year. Rytenskild’s dismissal from Tabcorp is currently before the Fair Work Commission.
Bren O’Brien
VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn paid tribute to Kimmitt’s work at the Commission.
"Annette’s leadership, drive and laser-like focus were fundamental to transforming the VGCCC following the Crown Royal Commission and, by extension, the state’s gambling industry,” Thorn said.
"Now recognised as the nation’s strongest gambling regulator, under her stewardship the VGCCC has designed and implemented a new risk-based, intelligence-led approach to regulating Victoria’s gambling industry. This will be her enduring legacy."
Later on Tuesday, Christopher O’Neill was announced as Thorn's replacement as the Chairperson of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).
O’Neill has been a Commissioner of the VGCCC since 2022, while prior to that he served with Victoria Police for 45 years. He was Acting Deputy Commissioner in 2016, including in the Regional Operations, Capability and Specialist Operations portfolios.
