A new chair has been appointed at WA’s Gaming and Wagering Commission as the government moves to toughen the regulatory framework in the wake of the Perth Casino Royal Commission.

Gaming minister Reece Whitby says Dr Michael Schaper’s three year independent appointment as independent chair marks an important step forward for gambling regulation in the state.

The state government pledged to strengthen the regulation of casinos in WA in response to the final report of the Royal Commission, which was handed down on March 24 and found Crown and its subsidiaries were unfit to hold a gaming licence.

Gaming minister Reece Whitby says Dr Schaper’s appointment marked an important step forward for gambling regulation in the state.

“His extensive regulatory experience and high-profile roles across business, Government and academic sectors instils confidence in the way forward for gambling regulation in WA.

Dr Schaper is an experienced board chair, company director, and economic policy and development consultant. He is a national board member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is Chair of the Australian Taxation Office’s Shadow Economy Advisory Forum.

His previous appointments include Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Small Business Commissioner for the Australian Capital Territory as well as being involved in several peak industry and professional associations.

The independent Chair replaces the Director General of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Lanie Chopping, who was serving in both roles.

Perth Casino Royal Commissioner and former Auditor General Colin Murphy and consultant Director Katie Hodson-Thomas have been reappointed to the Board until June 2025.

The 2021-22 financial year was a busy one for the Commission, with the acquisition of the Perth Casino by global investment business Blackstone and plans – subsequently ditched by the government – to sell the TAB.

Strengthened casino legislation that applies tougher penalties, better oversight and more powers for the regulator passed the WA parliament last September.

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