Latest news with #Papalia
The Age
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Age
Final regulatory leash removed from Crown's neck in Perth
The final regulatory leash has been removed from Crown's neck in Australia after the WA government handed back the casino and resorts giant autonomy over its operations. Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia also decided against further punitive action against Crown, saying he was comfortable the business had taken appropriate action to deal with the money laundering, counter-terrorism and problem-gambling issues that plunged it into crisis nationwide following investigations by Nine Newspapers. 'I have found that Crown is a suitable entity for operating a casino without conditions or penalties. And that finding was taken to the cabinet yesterday and endorsed by the cabinet,' he said. Papalia's decision means Crown Perth is free to operate without the intensive government oversight that had been in place since the royal commission report was finalised in 2022. Papalia defended not using a financial penalty to punish Crown, which is now owned by private investment firm Blackstone, and downplayed the activities unearthed by the royal commission, saying 'there was never any evidence of direct money laundering activity of the nature that you witnessed in Melbourne.' 'What there was, was potential for money laundering to have been enabled, and potential for counter-terrorism or terrorism finances to have been transacted,' he said. Following Nine Newspapers' reports the Victorian, New South Wales and WA governments conducted separate inquiries, finding the casino had allowed money laundering to take place. The WA report found Crown Perth had facilitated money laundering, failed to investigate suspicions of money laundering, permitted junkets with links to criminals to operate at the casino and failed to minimise gambling-related harm caused by electronic gaming machines. It also lashed the former Crown Perth board for failing in its oversight of the business.
Sydney Morning Herald
08-07-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Final regulatory leash removed from Crown's neck in Perth
The final regulatory leash has been removed from Crown's neck in Australia after the WA government handed back the casino and resorts giant autonomy over its operations. Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia also decided against further punitive action against Crown, saying he was comfortable the business had taken appropriate action to deal with the money laundering, counter-terrorism and problem-gambling issues that plunged it into crisis nationwide following investigations by Nine Newspapers. 'I have found that Crown is a suitable entity for operating a casino without conditions or penalties. And that finding was taken to the cabinet yesterday and endorsed by the cabinet,' he said. Papalia's decision means Crown Perth is free to operate without the intensive government oversight that had been in place since the royal commission report was finalised in 2022. Papalia defended not using a financial penalty to punish Crown, which is now owned by private investment firm Blackstone, and downplayed the activities unearthed by the royal commission, saying 'there was never any evidence of direct money laundering activity of the nature that you witnessed in Melbourne.' 'What there was, was potential for money laundering to have been enabled, and potential for counter-terrorism or terrorism finances to have been transacted,' he said. Following Nine Newspapers' reports the Victorian, New South Wales and WA governments conducted separate inquiries, finding the casino had allowed money laundering to take place. The WA report found Crown Perth had facilitated money laundering, failed to investigate suspicions of money laundering, permitted junkets with links to criminals to operate at the casino and failed to minimise gambling-related harm caused by electronic gaming machines. It also lashed the former Crown Perth board for failing in its oversight of the business.
West Australian
04-07-2025
- Business
- West Australian
The TAB: Papalia concedes ‘no value in purchasing it,' as government keeps door open on future sale
After multiple unsuccessful attempts, the state government has reiterated it does not currently plan to sell the TAB but is keeping the door open for future opportunities, as Minister Paul Papalia concedes that 'no one can see a value in purchasing it.' After plans to privatise the betting agency were first announced in 2015 by the former Barnett government, and legislation was passed under the McGowan government in 2019 to enable the sale, the government has spent years trying to find a suitable buyer. Multiple bids, including offers reportedly close to $1 billion, fell through, leading the government to scrap the sale in 2022. During budget estimates on Thursday, Minister Paul Papalia was asked by the opposition if the government would again pursue the privatisation of the TAB in this current term. 'In short, no,' Mr Papalia responded. 'That is not to say I am not out there or I would not be receptive to an approach for a sale, but there has been no interest and I do not anticipate there will be, not because we do not want to sell it or that we would categorically refuse, but probably because no-one can see a value in purchasing it.' Mr Papalia said the sale of the TAB would have secured the long-term future of the racing industry; however, the plan collapsed amid falling returns following the COVID pandemic. 'In our first term of government, we tried to sell the TAB. At that point, the TAB was of reasonable value,' he said. 'It was our ambition to sell the TAB and create an infrastructure fund to allow in perpetuity funding for the industry's requirements for upgrades and maintenance of facilities, and also return a relatively small profit to the state as a consequence of the sale. 'That fell through. COVID changed things. Prior to and post-COVID, there has been an enduring diminishing return from racing and gambling.' This financial year, the State Government is set to spend $57.1 million on racing and wagering in WA, including $38.6 million dedicated to improving and maintaining wagering systems. Shadow Racing and Gaming Minister Lachlan Hunter believes the government should be working harder to make the TAB more viable for a prospective buyer. 'We remain focused on what delivers the best outcomes for racing. What we won't support is letting the TAB wither on the vine through inaction,' Mr Hunter said. 'Instead of trying to justify inaction, the government should be working to strengthen the TAB's position—investing in digital platforms, offering a competitive product, and providing clarity about its future. 'The industry deserves leadership, not defeatism.' Despite not being able to find a suitable buyer over several years, the TAB still appears to be a cash cow for the state. 'The TAB generates hundreds of millions of dollars and is running efficiently, generating revenue for industry and taxpayers,' Mr Papalia told the West Australian.
West Australian
02-07-2025
- Climate
- West Australian
Fire experts gather in Broome to tackle northern Australia's bush fire threat
Bushfire experts converged in Broome on Wednesday to meet with Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia as part of a national forum tackling fire threats across northern Australia. The annual North Australia Fire Managers (NAFM) Forum brings together scientists, agency leaders, meteorologists and traditional owners to share knowledge and strategies for managing fire in one of the most fire-prone regions on Earth. Held over three days, the event spotlights successful bushfire mitigation efforts in the Kimberley, including prescribed burning projects carried out in partnership with traditional owners. Each year, fires burn through up to 45 million hectares of land across the tropical north, more than six times the size of Tasmania. WA Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said the Kimberley was the ideal place to host the event, given the region's track record of collaboration and innovation in landcare and fire prevention. 'Northern Australia is one of the most fire-prone places on Earth and it needs a fire strategy as unique as its landscape,' Mr Papalia said. 'This forum brings together the best bushfire minds to make Australia safer and stronger. 'The Kimberley is the perfect place to host this forum — home to proud Indigenous cultures, traditional owners with deep knowledge of country and a well-equipped emergency service. 'Hosting the NAFM Forum is an incredible way to highlight WA's many fire management success stories and keep that momentum going.' In addition to on-the-ground experience, the forum will address emerging challenges such as rising temperatures, the impact of climate change and the need for adaptive fire strategies in remote and regional communities. The State Government has committed $3.1 million to expand WA's Bushfire Mitigation Branch, which supports hazard reduction and fire-preparedness across the State.
Perth Now
05-06-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Why Roger Cook is throwing support behind diabetes research
Premier Roger Cook and senior minister Paul Papalia rallied with families affected by type 1 diabetes on the steps of Parliament House last Thursday morning. Both Mr Cook and Mr Papalia have children who live with the condition, which affects more than 135,000 people nationwide. Type 1 diabetes prevents the body from producing insulin, which is needed to remove glucose from the bloodstream. If left untreated it can be fatal and cause long-term health complications such as kidney, heart, nerve and eye damage, and gum and tooth disease. Your local paper, whenever you want it. It is estimated that about 25,000 Australians are in the early stages of T1 diabetes but are yet to be diagnosed. The gathering at Parliament House was part of a broader awareness campaign led by advocacy group Breakthrough T1D ahead of its Blue Tie Gala this month, which hopes to raise more than $1 million for vital research. Both Mr Cook and Mr Papalia are scheduled to attend the gala. 'Type 1 diabetes doesn't discriminate — it touches families in every corner of our community,' Mr Cook said. 'Today, we stand not only as leaders but as parents united in the mission to raise awareness, drive research and ultimately find a cure.' Mr Papalia said the event would help fund 'life-changing' breakthroughs in T1D research. 'Living with type 1 diabetes is a relentless challenge, but it's one made easier through community, advocacy and support,' he said. 'Events like the Blue Tie Gala are critical in shining a light on the realities of T1D and helping fund the breakthroughs that can change lives.' Mt Lawley entrepreneur Ljupco Taneski, who donates 50 per cent of his company's profits to Breakthrough T1D, was also at Parliament House with his family and daughter Caterina, who lives with the condition. Caterina Taneska (9) with her father Ljupco Taneski. Riley Churchman Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian Breakthrough T1D CEO Sydney Yovic said the event, along with the support from the Government and 'generous donors', was incredibly important in the drive towards a cure for T1D. 'The families meeting Premier Cook and Minister Papalia know all too well the burden of living with T1D, and how important it is that we achieve our goal of creating a world without the condition,' she said. The Blue Tie Gala will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition centre on June 7. Tickets are available at
