The suspension of the Star Gold Coast casino licence has been extended until March 31, 2027, as announced by the Queensland government. This decision follows recommendations from Special Manager Nicholas Weeks, who credited the casino group for making significant strides in its reform program. However, he also indicated that several critical issues remain unresolved.
To ensure ongoing independent oversight, Weeks' appointment has been prolonged, allowing for continuous monitoring of The Star Brisbane's operations alongside oversight from an external consultant.
Queensland’s attorney general, Deb Frecklington, emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of casino regulations in the state. "We have continued to set clear expectations for The Star to ensure the utmost integrity of Queensland's casino operations. Queenslanders can have full confidence that we will take immediate action if The Star fails to deliver on its obligations. Those expectations remain unchanged and, while I acknowledge the work of The Star to date, this extension will allow The Star to further demonstrate its delivery on key remediation commitments under the agreement," she remarked.
This isn't the first extension of the casino's licence suspension; it has been delayed multiple times before, initially from March 2025 to September 2026. The scrutiny of The Star began in 2022 when it was deemed unsuitable for licensing in October of that year. Along with facing penalties and Weeks' appointment, the initial licence suspension lasted 90 days, with the Queensland government attributing the delays to the comprehensive documentation provided by Weeks.
