Statement on Law Ball

The Melbourne University Law Students’ Society is pleased to announce that the annual MULSS x Gilbert + Tobin Law Ball will take place on Thursday 4th August, with ticket sales to commence at 6pm on Thursday 23rd June. Law Ball 2022 will be held at the Palladium at Crown.

The MULSS wishes to acknowledge the damning findings of the 2021 Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and, particularly, the conclusion that Crown’s ethical practices made them unfit to hold a casino licence. The MULSS strongly condemns Crown’s actions and is working with Crown to ensure that immediate steps are taken to address these concerns.

The MULSS welcomes the Victorian Government’s response and the passage of the Casino and Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2021, implementing the many recommendations of the Royal Commission and establishing the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. We also welcome Crown’s adoption of the Commission’s recommendations, particularly pertaining to the responsible service of gambling, and have made clear to Crown that we expect them to continue making positive and productive measures towards reform.

Additionally, the MULSS acknowledges the practical concerns of holding such a significant event in such close proximity to the Casino. The MULSS understands that institutional biases and historically inadequate support have placed First Nations students, international students and students with mental health conditions at a higher risk for problem gambling.

The MULSS cares deeply about the wellbeing of all in our MLS community and is taking concerted efforts to protect and uphold the wellbeing of all Law Ball attendees, but particularly vulnerable students. A Risk Management Team is actively working to ensure that Law Ball is as safe, inclusive and accessible as possible. Moreover, we hope all members of the extended MLS community will join us by looking out for our friends and peers.

The decision to host such a major event at this location was not made lightly. After an extensive investigation, Crown Palladium remains the only viable venue in Melbourne that is able to accommodate the requirements of Law Ball. The MULSS is donating 5% of total ticket sales to a gambling addiction support charity in the hope that this will assist those in need of support, albeit in a minor way. The charity will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, please be aware that support is available. We encourage you to contact support services such as Gambler’s Help, Smart Recovery Australia, Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC), Turning Point, or reach out to your friends and family.

Alternatively, if you are interested in learning more about the risks associated with pathological gambling, further information can be located at these links:

https://au.reachout.com/articles/gambling-addictions

https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/information-and-support/problem-gambling/

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the Activities Directors at activities@mulss.com or the Disability Representatives at disability@mulss.com.

Together, we look forward to a safe and successful Law Ball which celebrates our prosperous and diverse Melbourne Law School community.