The Commissioner for Licensing is appointed by the Governor for a period of five years under the Liquor Licensing Act 1990 .

The Commissioner is responsible for:

• administering applications for licences and permits;
• ensuring people are qualified to hold a liquor licence or liquor permit;
• granting liquor licences following a direction from the Licensing Board;
• transferring liquor licences from one person to another;
• issuing interim authorities for people to act as licensees;
• issuing liquor permits;
• administering surrendered liquor licences or permits;
• cancelling liquor permits; and
• applying to the Board for liquor restriction orders and for the cancellation and suspension of liquor licences.