Western Australia’s former chief casino operator Michael Connolly, who stood down after revelations of his social relationship with Crown Resorts staff, will have his own legal representation for the state’s royal commission into the company and its operations.
In a brief second session of the Perth Casino Royal Commission, the key people expected to appear before the royal commission were revealed, including current and former Crown Resorts directors and Mr Connolly.
Mr Connolly is the deputy director general of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and was the chief casino officer under WA’s casino control legislation.
He was stood down from his role of chief casino officer in February after 6PR and WAtoday asked questions about the nature of his relationships with members of Crown’s legal and compliance team.
The chief casino officer, a specific and powerful role enshrined in legislation, has responsibilities including granting or refusing licences and approving key casino staff members. He was replaced in the role by Mark Beecroft, who is the department’s director of strategic regulation.
On Tuesday, the commission granted Mr Connolly leave to appear in relation to its inquiries into the state’s regulatory framework for casinos. He was represented by lawyer Nicholas Malone, a senior associate at Pragma Lawyers.
Chairing commissioner Neville Owen said Mr Connolly’s personal interests related primarily to one of the terms of reference – number 10 – “but he may be able to assist us in other ways that relate to the regulatory framework”.
That particular term of reference concerns “the capability and effectiveness of the Gaming and Wagering Commission in discharging its regulatory functions and responsibilities, and the Department in supporting the Gaming and Wagering Commission, including in relation to identifying and addressing any actual or perceived conflicts of interest by officers involved in casino regulation”.
