The Star Entertainment Group will be subject to a raft of disciplinary actions, following the findings of Queensland’s Gotterson Review and the Attorney-General’s determination of unsuitability.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said The Star’s responses to the show cause notices issued last month have been taken into consideration when determining appropriate disciplinary action.
“Queensland casinos must operate with integrity – and it is clear that there have been major failings by the Star group and its entities,” the Minister 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 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.
“The reason these significant penalties could be applied is due to recent reforms to the Act which passed in the Queensland Parliament in October,” the Attorney said.
“And I can assure Queenslanders that The Star will be sent the bill for the cost of the special manager’s work.”
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,” the Minister 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,” she said.
Mr Nicholas Weeks brings more than 20 years experience in corporate law, governance, risk and integrity, and he has held the positions of CEO and Head of Integrity at National Rugby League.
Mr Weeks was also appointed the Executive General Manager of Transformation and Regulatory Response at Crown Resorts following the Royal Commission’s findings of unsuitability in Melbourne.
Ms Terri Hamilton is currently the deputy chair of the Queensland Portable Long Service Leave Authority and Chair of its Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1985, Ms Hamilton has a wealth of experience in the regulated financial services industry. This includes leading the risk, compliance and governance teams at Sunsuper, and as their anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing officer.
New South Wales Independent Casino Commission Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford said Mr Weeks appointment was a sensible approach by Queensland.
“The appointment of Mr Weeks as Queensland’s special manager will further support our ongoing collaboration with our Queensland regulatory counterparts,” Mr Crawford said.
“This will ensure The Star acts consistently and complies with their obligations – no matter which state they operate in.”
The Minister 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.
