The Star Entertainment Group’s licence suspension in Queensland has been extended to give the state’s government more time to consider the results of the casino operator’s New South Wales probe.
The Star is currently engaged in the Second Bell Inquiry into failings at its New South Wales properties, with the final report due to be handed to the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) by the end of May.
However, the Australian company has also had its licence in Queensland suspended, affecting its Gold Coast and Brisbane establishments.
While this suspension was due to be lifted on May 31, it will now be lifted on December 20.
A Star statement read: “The Star Entertainment Group has been advised by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, on the recommendation of the Honourable Yvette D’Ath MP, that the Governor in Council has approved changing the date of effect of the licence suspensions for The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos from 31 May 2024 to 20 December 2024.
“The Star has been advised that this will allow the Queensland government to consider the outcomes of the Second Bell Inquiry into The Star in New South Wales and to better assess The Star’s remediation progress, before making further decisions.
“The term of the Special Manager appointment for The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos remains unchanged and is currently due to end on 8 December 2024.”
Current and former senior Star chiefs have been giving evidence at the New South Wales inquiry in recent weeks, including executive chairman David Foster, who admitted he should not have made “heat-of-the-moment” comments about the company’s special manager Nicholas Weeks and the NICC.
