New South Wales seeks new leadership for casino regulator
The New South Wales Government has opened an expression of interest process as it seeks a new chief commissioner and commissioner for the NSW Independent Casino Commission.
Australia.- The New South Wales Government has launched an expression of interest (EOI) process as it seeks a new chief commissioner and commissioner for the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC). The announcement follows the six-month reappointment of chief commissioner Philip Crawford and commissioner Stephen Parbery, until November 24, 2026.
Both Crawford and Parbery, who were appointed as the inaugural members of the NICC when it was established in September 2022, have confirmed that they will retire from public service at the end of their current terms. The extension of their terms until November, approved by the Governor of NSW on the recommendation of Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris, is intended to provide continuity while successors are selected.
The recruitment process is being conducted under the requirements of the Casino Control Act 1992, with a selection panel and an independent probity adviser overseeing the appointments. The expression of interest process will remain open until August 3.
The NICC was created as a dedicated regulator for the casino sector following the recommendations of the Bergin Inquiry. It took up oversight from the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA), which continues to regulate other sectors.
Before leading the NICC, Crawford served as chair of ILGA, where he commissioned the Bergin Inquiry and oversaw the implementation of its recommendations and commissioned the subsequent Bell Inquiry into The Star.
As NICC chief commissioner, he has led the regulator’s oversight of remediation programmes at Crown Sydney and The Star, focusing on governance reforms, anti-money laundering controls, corporate culture improvements and compliance measures. The NICC also supervised Crown Sydney’s transition to an unrestricted casino licence.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “I thank Philip Crawford and Stephen Parbery for their service and leadership, particularly during a critical period for casino regulation in NSW,” Harris said. “As chief commissioner, Philip Crawford has played a key role in ensuring both casino operators meet strict regulatory requirements, following the various casino inquiries.”
He said Crawford’s leadership had been “instrumental in overseeing complex probity assessments, remediation programs and contingency planning during a period of significant regulatory reform and scrutiny” and that Parbery’s had brought “considerable expertise and judgement” to the commission’s work.
“Both Commissioners have helped drive important regulatory improvements that have restored public confidence in the integrity of casino regulation in NSW,” he added.
