South Australian Consolidated Acts

INDEPENDENT GAMBLING AUTHORITY ACT 1995 - SECT 11

11—Functions and powers of Authority

        (1)         The functions of the Authority are—

            (aa)         to develop and promote strategies for reducing the incidence of problem gambling and for preventing or minimising the harm caused by gambling; and

            (aab)         to undertake, assist in or co-ordinate ongoing research into matters relevant to the Authority's functions, including research into—

                  (i)         the social and economic costs and benefits to the community of gambling and the gambling industry; and

                  (ii)         the likely impact, both negative and positive, on the community of any new gambling product or gambling activity that might be introduced by any section of the gambling industry; and

                  (iii)         strategies for reducing the incidence of problem gambling and preventing or minimising the harm caused by gambling; and

                  (iv)         any other matter directed by the Minister; and

            (a)         to ensure that an effective and efficient system of supervision is established and maintained over the operations of licensees under prescribed Acts; and

            (b)         to advise, and make recommendations to, the Minister on matters relating to the operations of licensees under prescribed Acts or on any aspect of the operation, administration or enforcement of prescribed Acts; and

            (c)         to perform other functions assigned to the Authority under this Act or a prescribed Act or by the Minister.

        (2)         The Authority has power to do anything that is necessary for, or incidental to, the performance of its functions.

        (2a)         In performing its functions and exercising its powers under this Act or a prescribed Act, the Authority must have regard to the following objects:

            (a)         the fostering of responsibility in gambling and, in particular, the minimising of harm caused by gambling, recognising the positive and negative impacts of gambling on communities; and

            (b)         the maintenance of an economically viable and socially responsible gambling industry (including an economically viable and socially responsible club and hotel gaming machine industry) in this State.

        (3)         The Authority may require the Commissioner to furnish the Authority with a report on any matter relating to—

            (a)         the operations of a licensee under a prescribed Act; or

            (b)         the operation, administration or enforcement of a prescribed Act.

        (4)         The Authority may give the Commissioner directions in relation to the discharge by the Commissioner of his or her responsibility to the Authority under a prescribed Act, but is not empowered to direct or in any way influence the Commissioner in the exercise by the Commissioner of a discretion under a prescribed Act.