Michael Barnes
Michael Barnes is the NSW Crime Commissioner, known for his critical stance on the gambling industry's role in money laundering. He has been a vocal advocate for reforms aimed at curbing illicit financial activities in poker machines, emphasizing the need for mandatory cashless gaming to combat the flow of dirty money through pubs and clubs in New South Wales.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Michael Barnes declared he had given up the chase for the $30 million that Eddie Obeid made from a corrupt coal licence deal.
The pot of gold the Obeid family hid is a slap in the face for NSW
Australia· 2026-01-24
Michael Barnes is the outgoing NSW Crime Commission chief who commented on the difficulty of reclaiming corrupt funds linked to Eddie Obeid.
Eddie Obeid’s family trust stake in $30m Bankstown metro high-riseAustralia· 2026-01-23
Michael Barnes, the NSW Crime Commissioner, stated that pursuing a criminal confiscation case against the Obeids was not feasible.
Corrupt former Labor minister back in court next yearAustralia· 2025-08-20
NSW Crime Commissioner Michael Barnes said pubs and clubs could no longer plead ignorance to dealing in the proceeds of crime.
how much more evidence is needed on dirty money and pokiesAustralia· 2025-07-31