Racing and Gaming Minister Dr Tony Buti has appointed two new members to the State’s gambling regulator, the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC).
Both Colin Murphy and Dr Michael Schaper join the GWC, bringing extensive experience to the administration, which regulates the conduct of gaming and wagering in Western Australia.
The new appointments are among the first of many actions the State Government will take to toughen the regulatory framework governing WA’s casino.
Appointing new members to the GWC was one of the initial priorities outlined by the State Government in its response to the Royal Commission last month.
Mr Murphy, brings extensive knowledge and experience from his most recent role as a Commissioner on the Perth Casino Royal Commission. Mr Murphy was WA’s 18th Auditor General, with a long a career in State Government leadership positions.
Dr Schaper is an experienced board chair, company director, and economic policy and development consultant. He has a long history of work and academic accomplishments relevant to the role of the GWC, including as deputy chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
In response to the Perth Casino Royal Commission, the Racing and Gaming Minister flagged a number of additional reforms that will empower the Minister and GWC to enact reforms to WA’s regulatory framework.
The State Government is currently working on priority legislative amendments that will give the Minister greater powers to direct the GWC to take immediate steps in investigating and implementing measures that mitigate the risks associated with the gaming operations at Perth Casino.
The amendments will also give the GWC greater powers to direct the operator of the Perth Casino to implement appropriate and necessary measures.
The State Government thanks outgoing members Carmelina Fiorentino and Jodie Meadows for their work during their time with the GWC.
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“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.”
