Head of Victoria gambling commission resigns

The head of Victoria's Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, Bruce Thompson, has resigned from his position due to pressure from the new Labor government over the watchdog’s performance.

According to The Age newspaper, Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation Jane Garrett wrote to Thompson asking him to explain why he should not be sacked.

The number of liquor and gaming inspections conducted on Victorian pubs, clubs, restaurants and bottleshops has fallen by 70 percent over the past four years, The Age previously reported.

The liquor and gaming authorities were merged into one commission in February 2012 which has since been rocked by allegations of poor standards, workplace bullying and accusations that it falsified inspections to meet targets.

"I have had deep concerns about the commission since the Coalition government went through the botched merger," Garrett was quoted as saying.

His replacement will be made next month.

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