Minister for Racing and Gaming, Paul Papalia has announced that a Royal Commission is to be held to investigate the suitability of Crown Perth to continue holding a casino gaming licence.
“The Commission will also examine the State’s regulatory framework, including any actual or perceived conflicts of interest by officers involved in casino regulation, and any matters that might enhance the Gaming and Wagering Commission’s future capability and effectiveness,” Mr Papalia said.
“The Commissioners will be former Supreme Court Judges Neville Owen and Lindy Jenkins and former Auditor General for the Western Australia Government, Colin Murphy.”
Mr Papalia said it was decided that a Royal Commission, rather than an inquiry, be held to provide appropriate protections for the Commissioners and witnesses.
“The Royal Commission will provide the next State Government with a thorough and independent examination of the suitability of Crown Perth to hold a casino licence following the Bergin Inquiry’s findings of suspected money laundering and junkets linked to organised crime,” the Minister said.
“The Gaming and Wagering Commission has already directed Crown to no longer hold junkets and to obtain the Commission’s approval to establish gaming bank accounts to ensure the activities highlighted in the Bergin Inquiry cannot occur.”
He said the State’s regulators had also formed working groups with their Eastern State’s counterparts to ensure consistence for any future regulatory reforms.
The minister said the Royal Commission was expected to deliver an interim report in relation to the regulatory framework by 30 June and a final report with findings and recommendations by 14 November.
