The Queensland government has decided to extend the suspension of The Star Gold Coast's casino licence until March 31, 2027. This latest move allows the casino operator an additional six months to finalize necessary remediation efforts while continuing operations under enhanced regulatory scrutiny.
The extension is based on feedback from Special Manager Nicholas Weeks, who noted that, although the casino group has made significant progress in its reform initiatives, multiple priority issues remain unaddressed. Additionally, Weeks' appointment as special manager has been prolonged, ensuring that independent oversight continues alongside external advisory support for The Star Brisbane over the same timeframe.
Attorney General Deb Frecklington reiterated the government's commitment to upholding integrity within the industry. "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," she said.
Frecklington emphasized that the extension is a procedural necessity and does not imply any easing of regulatory 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 added. She also expressed gratitude for Weeks’ thorough report and ongoing independent oversight of the casino's progress.
The situation for The Star Gold Coast has been evolving over time. This is not the first postponement of the licence suspension, which was previously rescheduled from March 2025 to September 2026 after several delays. The operator came under scrutiny in Queensland in 2022 and was deemed unsuitable for a licence in October of that year, leading to fines and a 90-day licence suspension based on Weeks' initial findings.
In contrast, The Star Sydney has its licence suspension extended until June 30, 2027. The regulator highlighted persistent issues regarding the company's governance, leadership, and corporate culture as reasons for this extension. Philip Crawford, chief commissioner of the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission, noted that although The Star Sydney made strides in addressing its original suspension, the broader problems at the parent company warranted the longer suspension.
The Federal Court of Australia found that two former senior executives at The Star Entertainment Group violated the Corporations Act 2001 and failed to manage and report risks related to money laundering and criminal activities. "It is disappointing that despite the progress made by the Sydney casino, the group company continues to experience problems that affect each of its properties," Crawford stated. He added that the NICC will closely monitor how both The Star and The Star Entertainment Group resolve these issues, expecting them to demonstrate that they can address their cultural problems without requiring further intervention from the Commission.
