Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) has appointed Kai Cantwell as its new chief executive with effect from April 17.

Mr Cantwell has an extensive and distinguished history of senior leadership roles in service delivery and policy development in both the public and private sectors, leading large and diverse teams through transformational change, while maintaining public confidence in the delivery of essential services.

Mr Cantwell brings a depth of regulatory and legislative experience to RWA, having served as a Senior Public Sector Adviser for cloud technology company Oracle. He previously served for more than a decade in the federal government, including as a Senior Executive in the Commonwealth Department of Social Services, where he served as the NSW/ACT State Manager.

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Mr Cantwell’s appointment comes at a time of intense scrutiny and debate about the future of sustainable regulation of the already strictly-regulated Australian wagering industry.

As the independent peak body for Australia’s licensed online wagering industry, RWA is a crucial voice for promoting socially responsible wagering and advocating for increased standards in the gambling sector.

As a seasoned social policy and service delivery expert, Mr Cantwell notably served as the Chief of Staff to federal Ministers, routinely participating in the Government’s Expenditure Review Committee, responsible for federal government expenditure throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also played a key role in the responsibility for the coordination, development and implementation of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Gambling.

“With his wealth of leadership experience, Mr Cantwell is uniquely positioned to lead RWA and present a confident and united voice on behalf of its members,” Nick Minchin, Chairman of Responsible Wagering Australia, said.

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“His deep understanding of social policy, sports, wagering and Government position him perfectly to lead RWA and its members as we continue to promote socially responsible wagering and advocate for the highest standards in the sector,” Nick Minchin added.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to work with RWA members, sporting and racing bodies, and governments of all levels to ensure we continue to get the balance right between protections, regulation and freedoms,” Mr Cantwell said.

“As we further boost research, data and insights capability, I look forward to leading RWA to further understand problem gambling behaviour and target effective measures.”