The Australian State Government has added new members to the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) as it continues its response to the Perth Casino Royal Commission
The appointments were made by Racing and Gaming Minister, Dr Tony Buti, who selected Colin Murphy and Dr Michael Schaper for the roles. Both bring a wealth of experience to the administration, which is in charge of regulating gaming and wagering in Western Australia.
This move is part of a series of actions planned by the State Government to strengthen the regulatory framework that governs Western Australia’s casino industry. The appointment of the new members to the GWC was high on the list of the priorities set by the State Government in its recent response to the Royal Commission.
Distinguished Candidates
Colin Murphy recently served as a Commissioner on the Perth Casino Royal Commission and was WA’s 18th Auditor General, following a lengthy career in State Government leadership roles.
Dr Schaper is a seasoned board chair, economic policy and development consultant, and company director with a history peppered with work and academic accomplishments that directly relate to his new GWC role. He previously served as deputy chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Future-Proof
Responding to the Perth Casino Royal Commission, the Racing and Gaming Minister put forward various additional reforms to endow the Minister and GWC with the powers to pass reforms to WA’s regulatory framework.
The priority legislative amendments that the State Government is currently formulating will sufficiently empower the Minister to steer the GWC toward urgent action in investigating and implementing measures to tackle the issues identified at Crown’s Perth Casino.
These changes will additionally grant the GWC the power necessary to compel the operator of the Perth Casino to execute suitable and essential measures.
Racing and Gaming Minister Dr Tony Buti commented on the new development, saying,
“The State Government accepts the Royal Commission’s finding that more needs to be done to ensure appropriate and effective regulation of the Perth Casino. This is one of the first steps towards major, comprehensive reforms to how we regulate the casino in Western Australia. The strengthened Gaming and Wagering Commission play a big role in implementing many of the recommendations from the Royal Commission.”
“I congratulate the new members on their appointment and thank the outgoing members for their time with the GWC. While it will take some time to establish a new comprehensive regulatory framework, the State Government is committed to introducing new legislation to underpin these much-needed changes,” he concluded.
