Stephen Conroy to head up Responsible Wagering Australia body

Former Labor senator Stephen Conroy has been selected to head up a new wagering industry body.

Former Labor Senator Stephen Conroy will head up the new wagering industry body.

Former Labor senator Stephen Conroy has been selected to head up Responsible Wagering Australia, a new industry body set up by online bookmakers.

The RWA, which replaces the recently extinguished Australian Wagering Council, has the backing and support of bet365, Betfair, CrownBet, Sportsbet and Unibet.

Former Liberal senator Richard Colbeck will take on the role of chair of the new body’s board.

“I’m delighted to have the chance to work with Richard and with Australian wagering operators to build an industry body dedicated to responsible wagering,” Mr Conroy, who quit politics in September, said.

“I’m looking forward to working closely and cooperatively with the Australian Government on their consumer protection agenda. We share their objectives and we are determined to engage constructively to make it work.”

The newly formed group said it would support further government regulation that reduced the level of advertising during sports broadcasts, required operators to offer a broader range of ‘time out’ options and phases out credit betting.

RWA said it was also committed to enhancing integrity in sport and would work with government, sports bodies, law enforcement and industry to improve the identification of fraudulent betting activity and to help stamp out the integrity risks posed by illegal, offshore betting.

Mr Colbeck said he was looking forward to working with Mr Conroy, the members and stakeholders to bring about RWA’s vision of the world’s best conducted wagering industry.

News of Mr Conroy’s appointment comes just after Racing Australia announced former NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell as its new chief executive.