Phil Crawford to step down as NICC Chief Commissioner

The NSW Government has announced that NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) Chief Commissioner Phil Crawford will retire from public service and step down from his role in November. NICC Commissioner Stephen Parbery will also leave the role when his term expires in the same month.

Both commissioners were appointed as inaugural members of the NICC when it was established in September 2022, following recommendations from the Bergin Inquiry to strengthen casino regulation and oversight in NSW.

The Government has opened an expression of interest process to identify candidates to replace both commissioners. The expression of interest process is open until Monday 3 August.

The appointments are expected to provide leadership stability for the NICC in the coming months and support an orderly transition to new commissioners.

Prior to joining the NICC, Mr Crawford served as Chairperson of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), while Mr Parbery was a member of the ILGA board.

Both Mr Crawford and Mr Parbery played key roles in the NICC’s response to the two Bell inquiries into The Star and contributed to strengthening oversight and accountability across the casino sector, including the transition of Crown Sydney to an unrestricted licence.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris stated:  “As Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford has played a key role in ensuring both casino operators meet strict regulatory requirements, following the various casino inquiries.

“His leadership has been instrumental in overseeing complex probity assessments, remediation programs and contingency planning during a period of significant regulatory reform and scrutiny. Stephen Parbery has also made a substantial contribution as Commissioner, bringing considerable expertise and judgement to the Commission’s work.”