Crown Perth inquiry extended until March 2022
Crown Resorts has confirmed the Western Australian Government has extended its WA Royal Commission into the operator, to 4 March 2022.
The final report was initially expected to be delivered in mid-November 2021, but the deadline has been extended by four months. The extension was partially impacted by the change in schedule of the Victorian Royal Commission, which also extended its investigation into Crown from 1 August to 15 October 2021.
“The State Government has agreed to extend the timeline for the delivery of the Perth Casino Royal Commission final report to 4 March 2022. This will provide Commissioners with additional time to carry out their investigations and consider the findings of the Victorian Royal Commission,” said Premier Mark McGowan.
“The State Government believes public interest will be best served if the Perth Casino Royal Commission has sufficient time to produce its final report.”
Crown is facing several inquiries and investigations due to mishandling of anti-money laundering policies and inner mismanagement.
Recently, the counsel assisting Adrian Finanzio stated that the operator should lose its casino licence in Victoria, although it has been suggested this is unlikely to happen.
If the Melbourne casino shut down, the state’s economy would lose a revenue source, so a likely outcome is the casino being allowed to continue operating in some capacity.
Analysts believe the Royal Commissions take a more generalised approach, aiming for more regulation or oversight, not outright punishments.
That said, there is still every possibility Crown might have its licence suspended for a time if the Commission finds just cause.
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