The body tasked with supervising the Crown Casino in Perth, Australia, has conceded to a lapse in judgment regarding the handling of conflicts of interest. This acknowledgment arrives belatedly, as a royal inquiry is presently examining whether the government’s inadequate supervision played a role in illicit financial activities and compulsive gambling at the casino.
The probe has already uncovered some rather incriminating details. For instance, the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC), responsible for regulating gambling in Western Australia, opted not to pursue numerous accusations of money laundering against Crown because their previous legal representative dismissed them as “media hype.”
Adding insult to injury, the GWC, a compact group convening merely once a month, heavily depends on the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSCI) for assistance. This presents a problem because there are indications that the state’s former primary casino overseer partook in frequent fishing excursions with Crown personnel. Talk about a close relationship!
Although the DLGSCI is now pledging a substantial restructuring, encompassing obligatory disclosure of personal connections with Crown staff and a record for presents and hospitality, it appears as though they are attempting to extinguish a blaze with a meager garden hose. The entire situation emits a stench of an institution more preoccupied with safeguarding its reputation than protecting the citizenry.
Siward acknowledged that the department’s previous management of ethical dilemmas was not consistent with public anticipations for a contemporary oversight entity. He emphasized that the department understands this deficiency and has implemented measures to rectify it.
The Royal Commission will also probe whether Crown Resorts was effectively permitted to self-regulate in Perth. This determination rests on whether Western Australia possessed knowledge of and sanctioned Crown’s business practices.
The investigation will shortly reach its conclusion, hearing closing arguments from legal representatives of Crown Resorts and its principal investor, James Packer.
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