Australia
The Star: Queensland Operations Update Remediation Plan, Licence Suspension and Special Manager
Further to the announcement of 9 December 2022 in relation to the disciplinary action and appointment of the Special Manager to monitor the operations of Treasury Brisbane and The Star Gold Coast, The Star Entertainment Group Limited (The Star) provided the following update.
Approval of Remediation Plan in Queensland
As previously disclosed, The Star submitted a draft Remediation Plan (Remediation Plan) to the relevant Queensland regulatory authorities, designed to address the issues identified by the Bell and Gotterson reviews. The Remediation Plan includes approximately 640 milestones across 15 workstreams to be implemented over a multi-year period.
The Star has been advised that the Attorney-General of Queensland, the Honourable Yvette D’Ath MP, has approved the Remediation Plan, as applying to the casino entities for The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos.
Extension of Deferred Suspension of Casino Licences and Special Manager Appointment
Following this decision, The Star has also been advised that, on the recommendation of the Attorney-General, the Governor-in-Council has approved:
- changing the date of effect of the 90-day casino licence suspensions for The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos from 1 December 2023 (the originally determined date) to 31 May 2024; and
- extending the term of the Special Manager for The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos by 12 months to 8 December 2024.
Accordingly, The Star will be required, prior to 31 May 2024 when the deferred suspensions would otherwise take effect, to demonstrate to the Queensland Government, that it is delivering upon the approved Remediation Plan and returning to suitability.
The Star’s Group CEO and Managing Director, Robbie Cooke, said:
“We’re pleased to have our Remediation Plan approved in Queensland.
It’s an important step on our path to returning to suitability in Queensland and will track and hold us accountable throughout the multi-year program we are committed to delivering.
At the same time, we are fully aware that successful implementation of the Remediation Plan will require the utmost rigour and discipline.
We need to regain the trust and confidence of all our stakeholders and communities and continue to have an unwavering focus on transformation.
That comes from a clear understanding that holding casino licences is a privilege, not a right.”
These decisions relate only to The Star’s Queensland operations. The Star is continuing to engage with the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission in relation to its Sydney operations and will make a separate announcement in relation to the position in New South Wales.