Christine Howlett Joins NSW Casino Regulator as Commissioner

The New South Wales (NSW) Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has appointed Christine Howlett as its newest commissioner.

Known for leading Crown Melbourne’s remediation program, Howlett brings unparalleled experience to oversee NSW’s casino regulation.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment as The Star Sydney undergoes remediation following inquiries into its compliance practices.

Learn how Howlett’s leadership will enhance NICC’s regulatory capacity and ensure long-term compliance across NSW casinos.

Christine Howlett Brings Expertise to NICC as NSW Casino Regulator Commissioner

Key Points

1. Christine Howlett’s Appointment: The NICC names Howlett as commissioner, leveraging her experience in remediation and regulatory oversight.
2. Focus on The Star Sydney: Howlett will oversee ongoing remediation efforts and ensure compliance following the Bell Two inquiry.
3. Enhanced Surveillance: Howlett’s expertise aims to bolster NICC’s monitoring of financial crime risks and regulatory supervision for sustainable compliance.

Christine Howlett Joins NICC as Commissioner to Strengthen NSW Casino Oversight

The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has appointed Christine Howlett as its newest commissioner, effective immediately. Known for her instrumental role in Crown Melbourne’s remediation program, Howlett is set to bring her expertise in compliance and governance to NSW’s casino regulatory body.

Her appointment, announced on December 14, marks a critical step for the NICC as it continues to oversee the state’s two major casinos, Crown Sydney and The Star Sydney.

A Proven Track Record in Remediation

Howlett is best recognized for her leadership during Crown Melbourne’s remediation program, which followed the damning Royal Commission inquiry led by Ray Finkelstein. The inquiry found Crown unsuitable to hold a casino license in Victoria, prompting 33 government-mandated recommendations.

Before her work at Crown, Howlett held senior roles in regulatory and anti-corruption bodies, including:

• Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC)
• The NSW Department of Family and Community Services
• Victoria’s Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants
• The National Crime Authority

Her extensive background equips her to handle the complex challenges of casino regulation, financial crime prevention, and compliance monitoring.

Overseeing The Star Sydney’s Remediation

Howlett joins the NICC during a crucial period, as The Star Sydney works through its remediation program following two inquiries led by Adam Bell SC.

The Bell Two Inquiry, launched in early 2023, resulted in The Star retaining its casino license but with strict conditions for operational changes and compliance improvements.

David Harris, NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing, praised Howlett’s appointment, stating:

“Christine brings highly relevant experience from her time overseeing Crown Melbourne’s remediation. Her expertise is invaluable as the NICC monitors The Star Sydney’s ongoing improvements following the Bell Two Inquiry.”

A Vision for Long-Term Compliance

Howlett’s role extends beyond remediation oversight. According to Philip Crawford, NICC Chief Commissioner, she will play a key part in expanding the NICC’s:

• Surveillance capabilities to better monitor financial crime risks.
• Data collection systems for more effective regulatory oversight.
• Internal capacity building to ensure sustainability in casino compliance and governance.

“Christine’s skills will ensure the NICC maintains robust regulatory supervision beyond the current remediation phases,” Crawford remarked.

The NICC’s Expanding Role

Established in 2022, the NICC operates as an independent statutory regulator for NSW’s casino industry. Its mission includes ensuring transparency, combating financial crimes, and enforcing compliance with state and federal gaming laws.

With Howlett’s appointment, the NICC aims to strengthen its role as a regulatory authority and set a benchmark for casino governance in Australia.

Christine Howlett’s appointment as commissioner of the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) comes at a transformative time for the state’s casino industry. Her extensive experience in remediation and compliance will be instrumental in steering ongoing reforms at The Star Sydney while reinforcing regulatory safeguards across all NSW casinos.

As the NICC looks to expand its capacity in financial crime monitoring and long-term governance, Howlett’s leadership promises to elevate its effectiveness. Her appointment underscores NSW’s commitment to sustainable casino regulation, ensuring both accountability and integrity in its gaming sector.

The path forward for NSW casinos is clear: enhanced oversight, strengthened compliance, and a focus on long-term sustainability, with Howlett at the helm of these efforts.