- Renowned former senior WA Police officer Gary Dreibergs selected to oversee Western Australian gaming
- Appointed Chair of the Gaming and Wagering Commission for three years
- Independent Monitor term extended to finalise Crown Casino's remediation plan
The Cook Government has appointed accomplished former Deputy Police Commissioner Gary Dreibergs as the new Chair of the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) for a three-year term.
The GWC's role is to regulate the integrity and probity of the gaming and wagering industry in Western Australia through effective and contemporary regulatory practice that balances the industry and community benefits and considers the minimisation of potential harms.
Mr Dreibergs has 40 years of regional, State, and national policing experience, including eight years as Deputy Commissioner of WA Police. He headed the police emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was the State's Vaccine Commander in 2022. He brings to the role an extensive background in operational leadership, emergency management, corporate change administration and the development of human resources.
Mr Dreibergs is currently employed as Head of Strategic Partners at community safety software developer Genvis. He is also a board member of VenuesWest, the WA Institute of Sport and the WA Police & Community Youth Centres.
The appointment follows the resignation of former Chair Dr Michael Schaper. Deputy Chair Katie Hodson-Thomas has been acting in the position since Dr Schaper's departure on 21 February 2024.
In addition, the casino licensee will be given an extra four months, or until 31 January 2025, to further operationalise its remediation plan which will be assessed by Independent Monitor Paul Steel to ensure it satisfies the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission's final report.
The Government is also extending the original two-year appointment period of the Independent Monitor by six months to now end on 30 April 2025. This temporary position was created to oversee and monitor Crown Casino's remediation through its implementation of the management and operational changes required following the Perth Casino Royal Commission.
The extensions will provide an opportunity for the Independent Monitor to be thorough and well-informed while assessing the effectiveness of the remediation plan and assisting the GWC in confirming the suitability of the casino licensee to continue holding its casino gaming licence.
For more information on the GWC, visitwww.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/gwc
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
"The deadline extensions for the casino licensee and the Independent Monitor will ensure that the work started in response to the Perth Casino Royal Commission will be thorough and effective in addressing and implementing the recommendations.
"Having a highly respected former Deputy Police Commissioner such as Gary Dreibergs at the helm of the GWC for the next three years will carry forward the good work that has been done so far to tackle the issues that were raised, and make sure they are not repeated in the future.
"In welcoming Mr Dreibergs to the position, I'd also like to express my appreciation for the contribution that outgoing Chair Dr Schaper made to the GWC since March 2022. His dedicated support of the Commission's operation has been invaluable in the shaping and administration of gaming regulations in Western Australia.
"I would also like to thank Ms Katie Hodson-Thomas for her contribution as Acting Chair."
