David Williams reflects upon the introduction and growth of online gambling in Australia, and the negative impacts of online sports betting. He recalls its beginnings in Tasmania (although he later notes it was first introduced in the Northern Territory in 1996) and how state governments elsewhere were quick to allow its establishment.
David Williams discusses working in government in both Tasmania and Queensland during the 1980s and 1990s. He compares the large number of departments in Tasmania's bureaucracy with developments in Queensland where the state government had begun the process of corporatising agencies and offices. He adds that events agencies were a relatively new initiative operating in only a few states.
David Williams describes how he accepted a position in 1985 as head of the Department of Sport & Recreation in Tasmania under Liberal premier Robin Gray. He recalls how he had gained a reputation in sports management after involvement in the staging of the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games and on the committee organising Brisbane's bid for the 1992 Olympics.
