As the chairman of a high-profile public company in Australia, I recognise community and regulatory expectations of the way we conduct our operations are rightly high.
The commissioner has made findings of serious conduct, culture and compliance issues that clearly do not accord with our values. I accept criticism is warranted and reiterate our unreserved apologies for these shortcomings.
While we have already taken a number of important steps to improve our governance, compliance and culture, I recognise from the commissioner’s report we have much more to do.
We do not underestimate the scale of the problem and appreciate there is a need for ‘root and branch’ change. This change has commenced.
Importantly, the commissioner’s report outlines a pathway towards suitability to give effect to the Barangaroo Restricted Gaming Licence. Noting that ILGA will now consider and respond to the recommendations, I today commit to working in an orderly and coordinated manner with Mr Crawford.
We owe it to the over 20,000 people who work at Crown’s properties to move with pace as we implement the necessary reforms.
I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Crown directors Guy Jalland and Michael Johnston after their resignation from the Board yesterday. On behalf of the board, I thank Guy and Michael for their valuable service and wish them well with the future. Their decision will help accelerate our plans for board renewal and demonstrates we are moving quickly in our response to the commissioner’s report.”