NSW Casino Regulator Gets New Commissioner

Christine Howlett, Crown Melbourne's remediation leader, has been appointed as a commissioner for the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC), effective December 14.

The Parliament of New South Wales, Macquarie Street, Sydney, Australia.

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Howlett brings her extensive executive leadership to the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission, having served in various senior roles, including being a board member for the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA).

She also worked in senior positions within the Victoria Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) and the NSW Department of Family and Community Services.

However, Howlett is most renowned for her leadership in Crown Melbourne's remediation program, implemented in response to the Royal Commission's findings.

The Ray Finkelstein-led Royal Commission issued 33 recommendations to the Victorian Government, which were subsequently enacted following findings of Crown Melbourne's unsuitability to operate a casino in Victoria.

Howlett's tenure at NICC will span four years. She succeeds Craig Sahlin, who served a two-year term in the position.

Christine's skills will be valuable to help the NICC expand its surveillance and data collection abilities to better monitor financial crime risks and compliance. Christine's expertise in building internal capacity will assist the NICC to maintain effective regulatory supervision past the remediation and suitability phases and into longer-term sustainability.

Philip CrawfordNICC Chief Commissioner

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Howlett to Lead Remediation Efforts

Howlett's arrival at NICC is strategic as it supports the commission's existing remediation initiative at one of its regulated casinos.

The NICC was established in 2022 as the independent statutory regulator of Crown Sydney and The Star Sydney.

The Star started undergoing significant remediation efforts to address regulatory breaches following the 2022 Bell inquiry that found its money laundering and social responsibility controls inadequate. Findings from a Bell Two investigation this year resulted in a fine and conditions the casino must meet to retain its license.

An exhaustive selection process was undertaken to fill the role. Howlett brings a wide range of skills and expertise to the NICC. She has highly relevant experience in independently overseeing Crown Melbourne's remediation program. She joins the NICC at a critical time with the regulator currently monitoring The Star casino's ongoing remediation work following the Bell Two Inquiry.

David HarrisNSW Minister for Gaming and Racing

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