Following Queensland’s Gotterson Review and the state’s Attorney General’s determination of unsuitability The Star Entertainment Group will be subject to a number of disciplinary actions in the state.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said The Star’s and other interested parties’ responses to the show cause notices issued last month have been taken into consideration when determining appropriate disciplinary action.
Fentiman said that following Governor in Council approval today, The Star would face the following disciplinary actions under the Casino Control Act 1982:
Pecuniary penalties totalling $100 million to be paid over 12 months.
The appointment of an experienced independent special manager to monitor The Star’s operations in Queensland, with the cost to be recouped from the relevant casino.
The suspension of Treasury Brisbane and The Star Gold Coast’s casino licences for a period of 90 days, the commencement of which is deferred until 1 December 2023.
“Queensland casinos must operate with integrity – and it is clear that there have been major failings by the Star group and its entities,” Fentiman said.
“Like many Queenslanders, I was appalled at the extent of the actions of The Star in welcoming excluded persons to their casinos and the exorbitant incentives on offer for questionable gamblers.
The Attorney-General also said that that the deferred commencement date of the licence suspensions will give The Star an opportunity to remediate its management and operations and get back to a position of suitability.
“Should The Star make satisfactory progress towards rectifying these issues, the special manager and I may determine to postpone or rescind the suspension of licences.
“Mr Nicholas Weeks will be appointed as the special manager. He was also appointed by the Independent Casino Commission (ICC) to oversee The Star’s operations in New South Wales,” she said.
“Having a special manager that monitors the operations of The Star in both states will ensure they will be looked at as one operating entity and provide consistency across jurisdictions.
“It’s also important that we have a person on the ground here in Queensland, which is why Ms Terri Hamilton will be the Queensland Manager Assisting, and will join Mr Weeks’ very skilled and capable team,” Fentiman said.
Weeks brings more than 20 years experience in corporate law, governance, risk and integrity, and he has held the positions of COO and Head of Integrity at National Rugby League.
Terri Hamilton is currently the deputy chair of the Queensland Portable Long Service Leave Authority and Chair of its Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Fentiman said she expects The Star to make every effort to remediate and achieve suitability.
“This is an opportunity for The Star to return to suitability, however they have a long way to go,” she said. “If relevant entities do not take significant steps to improve their operations, we will not hesitate to take further action.”