SkyCity Adelaide Pty Ltd (SkyCity) and AUSTRAC have filed joint submissions with the Federal Court of Australia, proposing a $67 million penalty over the casino’s contravention of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act).

A court hearing has been set down for 7 June 2024, at which Justice Lee will consider the parties’ proposed settlement.

While AUSTRAC and SkyCity agree that a $67 million penalty is appropriate in all the circumstances, it is a matter for the court to determine the appropriate penalty.

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In reaching this agreement, SkyCity has admitted that it operated in contravention of the AML/CTF Act, including that:

• its AML/CTF Programs did not meet the requirements of the AML/CTF Act and AML/CTF Rules, in contravention of section 81.
• it did not carry out appropriate ongoing customer due diligence with respect to certain higher risk customers and customers transacting through higher risk channels, in contravention of section 36.

“AUSTRAC took this action out of concern that SkyCity’s conduct meant that a range of high-risk practices, behaviours and customer relationships were allowed to continue unchecked for many years,” AUSTRAC’s Chief Executive Officer, Brendan Thomas said.

Mr Thomas said the action serves as an important reminder to casinos and the gaming sector to take their AML/CTF obligations seriously and be vigilant to money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

As the matter is before the court for determination, AUSTRAC is unable to comment further on the proceedings.

The NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms will be top of the agenda when the Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow program visits Tamworth on Tuesday 21 May.

Senior executives from Hospitality and Racing will meet with businesses, industry groups and community and Aboriginal representatives to discuss the Government’s liquor and gaming reforms and regulatory priorities.

The event will also include a presentation by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner on the Government’s Vibrancy Reforms to cut red tape in areas such as noise regulation and boost live music and other entertainment options.

Hospitality and Racing Deputy Secretary Tarek Barakat said the roadshow would provide a great opportunity to engage in genuine dialogue with local industry leaders.

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“We’re looking forward to catching up with Tamworth’s liquor, gaming and racing stakeholders to discuss how we can work together to support safe and vibrant hospitality experiences,” Mr Barakat said.

“Tamworth is famous for its annual country music festival, but it also has a thriving live music scene throughout the year.

“This has been expanded even further, as seven Tamworth venues have now taken up the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reform initiative, providing two hours extended trading in return for hosting live music.”

Mr Barakat said the roadshow was also a valuable opportunity for Hospitality and Racing leaders to gain feedback and suggestions on how they could better support the unique needs of north-west NSW communities.

“Those living and working in their communities are best placed to advise us on what is needed and how we can all work better together to achieve outcomes,” he said.

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“This is especially true for the local Aboriginal community, and I look forward to hearing from them in regard to the liquor and gaming reforms, as well as listening to any suggestions for future changes and initiatives.”

The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Rtd), has accepted the Albanese Government’s recommendation that Ms Nerida O’Loughlin PSM be reappointed as Chair of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

Ms O’Loughlin has been reappointed for a three-year term, commencing on 14 October 2024, having first been appointed in 2017 and reappointed in 2022.

The Chair has extensive executive and regulatory experience, and is well respected across the sector. Her reappointment provides continuity as the ACMA works to deliver important outcomes for consumers and industry in the communications and media sectors, and implement reforms being undertaken by Government.

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In her current term, Ms O’Loughlin has led the ACMA’s work to strengthen telecommunications consumer safeguards, particularly for vulnerable Australians, overseen the establishment of BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register and Australia’s first SMS ID Registry – and taken strong enforcement of anti-scam and illegal gambling rules.

Ms O’Loughlin has also led important work on media diversity, misinformation and disinformation on digital platforms, and supported improved digital connectivity through the allocation of valuable radiocommunications spectrum.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“I congratulate Ms Nerida O’Loughlin PSM on her reappointment as Chair of the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

“Since her appointment in 2017, Ms O’Loughlin has led the ACMA to deliver important reforms and regulatory activities in the communications and media industries.

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“This includes better supporting consumers facing financial hardship pressures in paying their telecommunications bills, mitigating consumer harms in gambling advertising, enforcing anti-scam rules and taking enforcement action against corporations for non-compliance with Australia’s spam unsubscribe rules.

“The Chair’s continuity will provide the Authority ongoing certainty as the Albanese Government continues its important media and digital platforms reform agenda.

“I look forward to continue working with Ms O’Loughlin as the ACMA Chair.”