1. Achieving best practice
3 Year Licences
Achieving best practice

2. How we got here
In 2015, the Gambling Act 2003 was amended, allowing Class 4 licences to be granted for up to three years
The Commentary for the Gambling Amendment Bill (No 3) set out that
“the intention is that longer licences should act as an incentive for best practice and compliance among societies and venues”

3. The Objective
The Department set out to design a three year licence process that
improves performance and
rewards societies and clubs demonstrating best practice
It must also
encourage ‘best practice’ over and above meeting all the legal requirements annual licence
Recognise diversity of licence holders
Operate as voluntary

4. Development Mid-2016 Informal consultation with stakeholders began
Late 2016
Sector forums explaining the progress and direction of the project
Early 2017
Sector Technical Reference Group (STRG) was established
Workshops held to discuss technical details of the Best Practise licencing
April 2017
Consultation Document issued setting out the proposal
Late 2017
STRG assisted in testing and refining assessment framework

5. Self-Assessment Framework
The cornerstone of the 3 year licence application is self- assessment
Societies and clubs are expected to look across their organisations to demonstrate that:
There are effective systems and practices in place which reflect the size and structure of the organisation
There are systems in place to monitor how well the practices are working and to identify areas for improvement
There are regular reviews of systems and policies
Practices are conducted to improve performance

6. Self-Assessment Framework
Five Categories:
- Leadership and Direction
- Minimising Harm
- Maximising Benefit
- Engagement
- Risk and Financial Management
16 subcategories with questions, prompts and examples to assist in providing evidence.
As simple 4 point rating scale:
- Strong - Capable - Developing - Weak

7. What do I need to do? To apply for a three year licence you must have:
a rating of ‘strong’ in the mandatory subcategories;
a rating of ‘strong’ in at least one other subcategory for each of the following categories:
- Leadership & Direction
Delivery: Minimising Harm
Delivery: Maximising Benefit; and
no ratings of ‘weak’ in any part of the assessment
Expectation that only societies whose self-assessments show they are demonstrating best practice will apply

8. Self-Assessment Guidance and Templates
Developed for both societies and clubs
Includes examples of how to demonstrate achievement in each category and the type of evidence that can be used to support assessments
Helps applicants identify strengths and highlights where improvements can be made
While a self-assessment can be used to support a three year licence application there are other uses

9. How to apply?
To apply for a three year licence, submit to the Department:
Self-assessment
A licence renewal application
A covering letter indicating intention to apply for a three year licence

10. So why a 3 year licence?
The potential benefits of a three year licence include:
Reputational value
An incentive for continued improvement within a framework
Increasing collaborative relationships
Easing the administrative burden
Allows longer-term planning
Potential cost savings
Each will be of different value to different societies/clubs. Ultimately, it is up to each society to decide whether to apply

11. So why a 3 year licence?
The Department’s vision for the class 4 gambling system is to have a safe, trusted and transparent gambling sector that benefits communities.
A class 4 sector that continually improves practices and innovates
Strong performance enhances reputation of the class 4 sector with the public, promoting sustainability
Assurance to regulators and communities that the sector is entitled to a social licence as custodians of community funds

12. So, where to from here?
The Department intends to have guidance materials and self- assessment templates available from 1 April 2018