- The Palaszczuk Government has approved The Star’s remediation plan and extended the special manager’s appointment.
- The plan will direct wide-ranging reforms to casino management and operations in key areas such as governance, culture, financial crime, safer gambling and risk management.
- Licence suspensions for The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos have been deferred until 31 May 2024.
A remediation plan for The Star comprising of more than 100 initiatives across key areas of casino management and operations has been approved.
The plan will be delivered over several years to ensure extensive reform is embedded.
The Government’s acceptance of the plan follows a raft of disciplinary actions imposed on The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane last year due to major failings by The Star Group and its entities. This included pecuniary penalties of $100 million, appointment of a special manager, and 90-day licence suspensions to commence on 1 December 2023.
Having an approved plan in place was critical to The Star avoiding licence suspensions at this time. Assessment of progress will inform future decisions about applying the suspensions.
The government has also extended the appointment of the special manager for another 12 months to 8 December 2024.
The special manager Mr Nicholas Weeks, Queensland Manager Assisting Ms Terri Hamilton and their team will monitor implementation of the plan and continue to provide appropriate oversight while The Star proves its commitment and ability to remediate and return to suitability.
Failure to comply with an agreed remediation plan is an offence under the Casino Control Act 1982 and would make The Star liable to further disciplinary action which could include fines of up to $5 million being imposed by the Attorney-General.
Since the completion of inquiries in both New South Wales and Queensland, The Star has been subject to disciplinary action in both states, and the Group CEO and board have been replaced.
The new board has budgeted approximately $200 million towards the resources needed to implement the plan.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:
“The Star’s remediation and return to suitability to hold a casino licence will not be simple or quick and requires cultural change across the organisation.
“Today’s announcement strikes the right balance between making sure The Star operates lawfully, ethically and in a way that enhances integrity, while also prioritising public confidence and local jobs.
“The government remains committed to casino reform to address the significant failings identified in the Gotterson Review and the findings of the many inquiries into casino operations across the country.”
