A new chapter for Hospitality and Racing

Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson welcomed Mr Keon’s appointment, saying his experience as a NSW Government regulator and former hotel licensee makes him uniquely placed to lead the newly created regulator of the liquor, gaming and racing industries.

“Anthony is joining Hospitality and Racing at an important time, as the Government continues to roll out new measures to support hotels, clubs, restaurants and the broader hospitality sector as they recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19,” Mr Anderson said.

“The hospitality industry employs over 300,000 people in NSW and this Government remains focused on supporting and growing this critical sector of the economy to create more employment opportunities.”

Mr Keon has worked across numerous high-profile regulatory environments during his extensive career, including mine operations and rehabilitation, work health and safety, liquor and gaming and charitable funding.

Over the past four years, Mr Keon has led the NSW Resources Regulator within the Department of Regional NSW.

Mr Keon said he was excited to be leading Hospitality and Racing as it becomes part of the new Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade.

“As a former hotel licensee who ran hotels in both Sydney and regional NSW for over 10 years, I know first-hand the many challenges faced by pubs, clubs and restaurants across NSW,” Mr Keon said.

“I look forward to engaging with industry leaders to see how the NSW Government can work with them in the most effective way to ensure a vibrant, thriving and safe sector for everyone in the state.”