The New South Wales (NSW) Government has strengthened its oversight of the casino industry by appointing Christine Howlett as a Commissioner of the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC). The NICC, established in 2022, oversees the operations of NSW’s two major casinos—The Star Sydney and Crown Sydney—ensuring they adhere to strict standards of fairness, honesty, and responsibility.
Christine Howlett, a seasoned public administrator with a robust background in regulatory oversight, will serve a four-year term. Her prior role as Deputy Special Manager in Crown Melbourne’s remediation program following the Finkelstein Royal Commission’s findings highlights her capabilities in addressing complex governance and compliance challenges. This makes her appointment particularly significant as the NICC continues to implement reforms aimed at restoring integrity to the casino industry in NSW.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris lauded Howlett’s expertise, emphasizing her critical role in overseeing the NICC’s work during a pivotal period. The NICC is currently monitoring The Star Sydney’s remediation efforts following the Bell Two Inquiry, which unearthed significant governance failings, including allegations of money laundering, fraud, and connections to organized crime. Howlett’s appointment aligns with the government’s goal of maintaining a vigilant regulatory environment to prevent such issues from recurring.
The NICC plays a central role in ensuring accountability and transparency in the state’s casino sector. It employs rigorous oversight to safeguard against financial crimes and governance failures. As part of her new role, Howlett will focus on enhancing the NICC’s surveillance and compliance mechanisms, particularly its ability to monitor financial crime risks and collect data efficiently.
NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford welcomed Howlett’s appointment and emphasized her valuable contribution to advancing the regulator’s strategic priorities. He also thanked outgoing Commissioner Craig Sahlin for his significant work in laying the foundation for the NICC’s operations. Under Howlett’s leadership, the NICC is expected to continue its focus on maintaining robust industry standards while working collaboratively with stakeholders to foster a culture of compliance.
The appointment underscores the NSW Government’s commitment to restoring public confidence in the casino sector. Over the past few years, the state’s casinos have faced intense scrutiny, with inquiries exposing systemic failures that prompted calls for stronger regulatory action. By appointing a Commissioner with proven expertise, the government aims to ensure that the industry operates with greater accountability.
Christine Howlett’s leadership marks a critical step forward for the NICC as it continues to address past shortcomings while preparing for the future. Her extensive experience in governance, coupled with her understanding of the complexities of the casino industry, positions her to navigate the challenges that lie ahead effectively. This includes addressing ongoing concerns surrounding The Star Sydney’s compliance measures and ensuring that Crown Sydney operates within the regulatory framework.
The NICC’s work remains central to safeguarding public interest and maintaining the integrity of NSW’s casino operations. As the regulator expands its oversight capabilities, it aims to create an environment where casinos can operate profitably while adhering to the highest ethical standards. Howlett’s appointment is a testament to the NSW Government’s dedication to achieving this balance, reflecting its broader goal of ensuring that the state’s gaming industry remains both competitive and accountable.
Christine Howlett’s role will be closely watched by industry observers, regulators, and the public. Her efforts will not only influence the immediate operations of NSW’s casinos but also set a precedent for the future of gaming regulation in the state. The NICC, under her leadership, is well-positioned to lead the casino industry into a new era defined by integrity and transparency. This appointment represents a significant step toward rebuilding trust in NSW’s gaming institutions and ensuring their long-term sustainability.
