The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has appointed the deputy special manager who oversaw Crown Resorts’ remediation as a new commissioner, amid a troubling time for The Star Entertainment Group in the Australian state.
Minister for gaming and racing, David Harris, said Christine Howlett joins at a “critical time” as the NICC oversees a widespread overhaul plan of The Star.
In April this year, the NICC found Crown Resorts suitable to retain its casino licence after failings were exposed in 2021.
However, in October the Commission extended the suspension of The Star’s Sydney casino licence until March next year and handed the company a AU$15m fine in response to the Bell Two inquiry, which exposed multiple failings at the company.
Howlett fills the role left by Craig Sahlin, who served as NICC commissioner since 2022 and was a board member of NSW L&G between 2016 and 2022.
The NICC was set up in 2022 as the independent statutory regulator of Sydney’s two casinos.
As well as helping oversee improvements at The Crown, Howlett has also worked at Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission, the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, Victoria’s Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants and the National Crime Authority.
“Christine Howlett brings a wide range of skills and expertise to the NICC, with highly relevant experience in independently overseeing Crown Melbourne’s remediation program,” said Harris.
“She joins the NICC at a critical time with the regulator currently monitoring The Star casino’s ongoing remediation work following the Bell Two Inquiry.
“I would like to thank Craig Sahlin for his outstanding contribution to both the NICC and ILGA over the past eight years.
“His demonstrated expertise has significantly contributed to strengthening the government’s regulatory framework and public confidence and trust in the work of both the NICC and ILGA.”
NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford said: “Christine’s skills will be valuable to help the NICC expand its surveillance and data collection abilities to better monitor financial crime risks and compliance.
“Christine’s expertise in building internal capacity will assist the NICC to maintain effective regulatory supervision past the remediation and suitability phases, and into longer-term sustainability.
“We thank Craig Sahlin for his exceptional work with the NICC and ILGA over the past eight years. His dedication was instrumental in advancing the NICC’s mission and his efforts have contributed to the achievement of significant milestones.”
