Crown employee accuses James Packer of assault
Billionaire James Packer has been accused of assault by a security guard at Crown Resorts’ flagship casino in Melbourne.
The employee has launched legal action against his direct employer, MSS Security, as well as Packer and Crown.
In documents filed with the Victorian supreme court, security guard Iskander Chaban claims an intoxicated Packer assaulted him on 1 January 2016. Chaban alleges that Packer became verbally abusive and threatening, running towards him and pushing him in the chest.
The accusation comes after former Crown employee Jenny Jiang earlier this week also filed a lawsuit against the company. Jiang claims the company caused her injury, loss and damage.
The Victorian Government also announced this week it will bring forward its regular review of the Melbourne casino licence as a result of evidence of money laundering heard by the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) inquiry.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) is required to conduct a review of Crown’s licence every five years, with its last review taking place in 2018. Its next review has, however, been brought forward in light of recent events.
“We’re making sure Crown Melbourne conducts its business in a transparent and appropriate manner,” said Melissa Horne, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation.
“This review is needed given the evidence we’ve seen come out of the NSW inquiry.
“While we await the findings of that investigation, it’s appropriate to bring forward the next review to ensure Crown Melbourne is suitable to hold a licence in Victoria.”
A statement from the company read: “Crown has actively engaged with the VCGLR in relation to matters the subject of the ILGA Inquiry, including on Crown’s reform agenda. Crown will continue to work cooperatively with the VCGLR to support this review.”
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