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Media release

Portrait photo of Gary Dreibergs

Photo: Gary Dreibergs, Chair, Gaming and Wagering Commission

Mr Dreibergs has 40 years of regional, state, and national policing experience, including eight years as Deputy Commissioner of WA Police. He headed the police emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was the state’s Vaccine Commander in 2022. He brings to the role an extensive background in operational leadership, emergency management, corporate change administration and the development of human resources.

Mr Dreibergs is currently employed as Head of Strategic Partners at community safety software developer Genvis. He is also a board member of VenuesWest, the WA Institute of Sport and the WA Police & Community Youth Centres.

The GWC’s role is to regulate the integrity and probity of the gaming and wagering industry in Western Australia through effective and contemporary regulatory practice that balances the industry and community benefits and considers the minimisation of potential harms.

The appointment follows the resignation of former Chair Dr Michael Schaper. Deputy Chair Katie Hodson-Thomas has been acting in the position since Dr Schaper’s departure on 21 February 2024.

The Government is also extending the original two-year appointment period of the Independent Monitor Paul Steel by six months to now end on 30 April 2025. This temporary position was created to oversee and monitor Crown Casino’s remediation through its implementation of the management and operational changes required following the Perth Casino Royal Commission.

The casino licensee will be given an extra 4 months, or until 31 January 2025, to complete its remediation plan which will be assessed and approved by the Independent Monitor to ensure it satisfies the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission’s final report.

The extensions will provide an opportunity for the Independent Monitor to be thorough and well-informed while assessing the effectiveness of the remediation plan and assisting the GWC in determining the suitability of the casino licensee to continue holding its casino gaming licence.

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Page reviewed 27 February 2023