Critical legislation that will give Western Australia’s casino regulator the necessary powers to restore integrity at the State’s casino will be introduced to Parliament today.
The legislation also imposes harsher penalties for non-compliance, lifting the maximum fine from $100,000 to $100 million.
It also paves the way for an independent monitor to be installed to oversee the remediation process at Perth’s casino over the next two years.
The Casino Legislation Amendment (Burswood Casino) Bill 2022 is the first legislative step towards addressing issues raised in the Perth Casino Royal Commission.
Once passed, the legislation will empower the Racing and Gaming Minister and Gaming and Wagering Commission to enact remediation processes within the casino.
Other key measures within the Bill include:
- a provision for the WA Government to recoup costs for the independent monitor from Crown/the casino operator;
- additional offences and penalties relating to providing false or misleading information to the independent monitor;
- enabling an independent chair to be appointed to the Gaming and Wagering Commission;
- enhancing powers for the Minister to direct the Gaming and Wagering Commission; and
- enhancing Gaming and Wagering Commission powers to direct the Perth Casino.
The legislation directly addresses a number of recommendations from the final report of the Royal Commission and forms part of the WA Government’s multi-staged response to the Royal Commission.
Next steps in the WA Government’s detailed response will include investigating a modernised regulatory framework for a new Act to replace the Casino Control Act 1984.
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“This legislation is a direct response to the Royal Commission and will ensure the WA Government can hold the casino operator to account.
“Greater integrity is not optional – the WA Government will have a new independent monitor and much higher penalties to ensure the highest standards are upheld.
“We will also be able to recoup the cost of the independent monitor from the casino operator under provisions within the Bill.
“Once this legislation has passed, we will progress with further reforms to bring the State’s other casino laws into the 21st century.”
