The public hearing that was set to examine the licensing issues involving Crown Resorts and Hong Kong-based casino group Melco was supposed to recommence on Wednesday. This has subsequently been postponed due to Coronavirus concerns.
The NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority announced on Monday that the hearings would eventually resume, adding that the commissioner was being guided by announcements and health advice from the Commonwealth and state governments regarding COVID-19.
In a further statement released on Tuesday afternoon, the authority elaborated on their position, stating “As a result of the recent reports and impacts of COVID-19 and in alignment with the changes that have been advised by the Commonwealth and state governments, it is with regret that the public hearings of the inquiry will be deferred to a date to be fixed,”
The regulator’s concerns for the health and welfare of legal members and the community at large were central to this decision.
The inquiry was set up last year to investigate billionaire casino mogul James Packer’s sale of a 20 percent stake in Crown to Melco and media revelations that Crown was knowingly associated with individuals with alleged ties to organized crime and money laundering.
Peter Cohen, the Victorian Gambling Authority’s former executive commissioner was set to appear before the hearing on Wednesday, along with Crown’s chief legal officer Joshua Preston.
The gaming authority is at an advantage after winning a noteworthy legal challenge last week. The NSW government won an appeal to the Supreme Court for access to Melco documents regarding its acquisition of Crown Resorts’ shares.
There has been no word from Melco as to whether they intend to appeal the judgment.
