Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation names new CEO

Experienced public servant Shane Lucas has been appointed chief executive of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, the Australian state’s body for helping those affected by gambling-related harms.

Lucas has been appointed to the role by the state’s Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairous following an extensive executive search process run from November 2018 to February 2019.

He has previously held a number of executive and senior management roles in the non-government, government and private sectors, most recently serving as a full-time member of the Australian government’s Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

He has also worked as CEO of education charity the Early Learning Association Australia between 2013 and 2017, and sat on the advisory board of Deakin University’s Master of Public Policy Programme.

“Mr Lucas has a strong track record of program delivery, establishing innovative partnerships and developing strong stakeholder relationships in a career at the highest levels of the public and private sectors,” Kairouz commented.

“We look forward to working with Mr Lucas to further strengthen and enhance the Government’s approach to reducing and preventing gambling harm in Victoria – his appointment is a great outcome for the Foundation.”

He began his new role today (March 18), replacing Janet Dore, who has served as Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s interim chief executive since October last year. Dore took up the role following the departure of Louise Glanville, who left to become managing director of Victoria Legal Aid. She will continue to work in the role until the end of March to ensure a smooth transition.

“We’d also like to thank Janet Dore for her dedicated leadership of the Foundation over the past five months, with her work ensuring that Mr Lucas is best able to hit the ground running from day one,” Kairouz added.