Royal Commission to probe Crown Melbourne suitability

The state of Victoria has announced it will establish a Royal Commission into the Crown Melbourne casino.

Australia.- The state government of Victoria is to launch a royal commission to decide if Crown Resorts is suitable to maintain its licence for its Melbourne casino.

Melissa Horne, Victoria’s minister for liquor and gaming regulation, decided the move was the most appropriate response to failings identified in New South Wales’ inquiry into the casino operator.

The Royal Commission will be chaired by former Federal Court judge Raymond Finkelstein QC and will aim to report back to the Victorian government by August 1 and no later than the end of the year.

In the meantime, Crown Melbourne will continue to operate “but within the context of the Royal Commission examining its suitability.”

The Government also wants to establish an independent casino regulator to advise on structural and governance arrangements.

In a statement, Crown Executive Chairman Helen Coonan said: “Crown welcomes the announcement from the Victorian Government as it provides an opportunity to detail the reforms and changes to our business to deliver the highest standards of governance and compliance, and an organizational culture that meets community expectations.”

The news comes after Harold Mitchell, a non-executive director, resigned from Crown Resorts following the departures of Guy Jalland, Michael Johnston, Andrew Demetriou, Mary Manos and former CEO and managing director Ken Barton.