SkyCity Adelaide

In reply to the Hon. C. BONAROS (27 October 2021).

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer): The Attorney-General has advised:

1. No, I am prevented under part 11 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 from disclosing information about AUSTRAC’s investigation involving the Adelaide Casino.

2. As advised in response to the honourable member’s questions on 26 May 2021, the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner commenced a review of the operations of SkyCity Adelaide shortly after the release of the report by the Hon. Patricia Bergin SC into the suitability of Crown Resorts to hold a restricted gaming licence in NSW.

An objective of the commissioner’s review is to ensure adequate controls are in place to protect against the same or similar failings, as considered by the Hon. Patricia Bergin SC, occurring in relation to the management and operations conducted under the South Australian casino licence.

The commissioner was subsequently notified of the formal enforcement investigation commenced by AUSTRAC into SkyCity Adelaide.

After discussing the investigation with AUSTRAC, the commissioner decided to put his review on hold. The commissioner’s review remains on hold.

3. Specific details of the AUSTRAC investigation will be released if and when AUSTRAC chooses to do so. I do not expect to be in a position to tell this chamber specific details of the AUSTRAC investigation unless and until that occurs.

4. One of the functions of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner is to ensure that an effective and efficient system of supervision is established and maintained over operations undertaken under the Casino Act 1997.

I described the checks and balances in place to ensure that SkyCity Adelaide is operating within its legal framework in my answer to the honourable member’s questions on 12 October 2021. I have nothing further to add to that answer.