New Board Members Appointed to Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority

Associate Professor Amelia Thorpe and Nicholas Nichles have been appointed following a rigorous public expression of interest selection process. Additionally, existing member Chris Honey has been appointed deputy chairperson. 

ILGA is a statutory decision-maker responsible for a range of liquor, registered club, and gaming machine regulatory functions including determining licensing and disciplinary matters. 

The appointments follow the end of the term of appointment for outgoing deputy chairperson Sarah Dinning, and also fill vacancies that existed on the board. 

Mr Honey, who was appointed a member of ILGA earlier in 2024, has been named deputy chairperson until the end of his current appointment term (11 February 2027). Mr Honey has extensive experience in the advisory and restructuring field, including working extensively in highly regulated sectors.

Associate Professor Thorpe and Mr Nichles have both been appointed for four years commencing 6 November 2024. 

Associate Prof Thorpe is with the Faculty of Law & Justice at the University of New South Wales and an Acting Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court. 

Mr Nichles was previously a Consul General and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Australian Government agency Austrade, based in the US. 

The new appointments bring the ILGA board membership to seven. 

The new appointments will join chairperson Caroline Lamb, new deputy chairperson Mr Honey and current members Cathie Armour, Jeffrey Loy APM and Dr Suzanne Craig. 

“I would like to thank Sarah Dinning for her contribution to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, including during her service as deputy chairperson,” Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said.

“An exhaustive selection process was undertaken for these new appointments in accordance with legislative requirements and including the engagement of an independent probity advisor. 

“Chris Honey has brought significant expertise to the board since his appointment and Amelia Thorpe and Nicholas Nichles will bring their substantial experience, expertise and leadership to ILGA.” 

ILGA chairperson Caroline Lamb said that people appointed to the ILGA board must be of the highest integrity and promote fair, transparent and efficient decision-making.

“Mr Honey joined the ILGA board earlier this year and has proven himself to be an invaluable board member with his energy and considerable skills and experience in the advisory and restructuring field. 

“The ILGA board also welcomes A/Prof Thorpe and Mr Nichles to the board.”