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After a highly competitive recruitment process, the NSW Government appointed Christine Howlett to a four-year position as Commissioner of NSW Independent Casino Commission.
Ms Howlett is filling the vacancy left by Craig Sahlin, who was a NICC commissioner since 2022. He also served on the Board of NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority between 2016 and 2022.
The NICC was established in 2022 as an independent, statutory regulator for NSW’s casinos. Its mandate is to increase the regulatory oversight over casino operations.
Ms Howlett brings to the NICC a wealth of executive leadership experience, including in corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, and public administration.
She was appointed Deputy Special Manager in 2021, and she independently oversaw Crown Melbourne’s remediation programme following the Finkelstein Royal Commission findings, including reforms designed to prevent gambling harms and money laundering.
Ms Howlett also served in senior positions with the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission of Victoria, the NSW Department of Family and Community Services and the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants of Victoria.
David Harris, Minister of Gaming and Racing, said: “A comprehensive selection process was undertaken in order to fill the NICC commissioner role according to legislative requirements. This included the establishment of a panel of selection and the engagement of an independent integrity adviser.
“Christine Howlett has a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring to the NICC. She was responsible for overseeing Crown Melbourne’s remediation program independently.
She joins the NICC in a crucial time, as the regulator is currently monitoring The Star Casino’s ongoing remediation efforts following the Bell Two Inquiry.
“I’d like to thank Craig Sahlin, for his outstanding contributions to the NICC and ILGA in the last eight years.
His demonstrated expertise has contributed significantly to strengthening the regulatory framework of the government and public trust and confidence in the work both the NICC ILGA.
NICC Chief commissioner Philip Crawford said that the NICC was pleased to welcome Christine Howlett into the role, and looks forward to utilizing her experience to further the NICC’s strategic priorities.
“Christine’s expertise will help the NICC to expand its surveillance and data-collection capabilities to better monitor financial crimes risks and compliance.
“Christine’s expertise building internal capacity will help the NICC maintain effective regulatory oversight beyond the remediation and suitable phases and into the longer-term sustainability.
We thank Craig Sahlin, for his outstanding work with the NICC & ILGA in the last eight years. His dedication was crucial in advancing NICC’s missions and his efforts contributed to significant milestones.
