The Queensland government has extended the suspension of The Star Gold Coast's casino licence until 31 March 2027. This recent decision provides the casino operator with an additional six months to address outstanding remediation issues, while still permitting the venue to operate under stringent regulatory oversight.
Special Manager Nicholas Weeks, who has been overseeing the casino’s reform efforts, indicated that despite some progress, significant priority issues remain unresolved. Alongside the suspension extension, Weeks' role has also been prolonged, ensuring continual independent supervision, which complements the ongoing oversight of The Star Brisbane by an external advisor during this period.
Attorney General Deb Frecklington emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining integrity within the industry. She stated, "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."
Frecklington clarified that the extension serves a procedural purpose and does not relax the firm regulatory expectations in place. She noted, "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."
Moreover, Frecklington acknowledged Weeks' significant contribution, thanking him for his thorough reports and ongoing independent oversight.
This current extension of The Star Gold Coast's licence follows multiple previous deferrals. Initially, the suspension date was pushed from March 2025 to September 2026, a delay prompted by investigations that began in 2022, when The Star was found unsuitable for a licence in October of that year. The subsequent penalties included fines, the appointment of Weeks, and an initial 90-day licence suspension, which was largely influenced by Weeks' report.
In a different context, The Star Sydney has received an extended licence suspension until 30 June 2027. The New South Wales regulator has cited ongoing governance, leadership, and corporate culture concerns as motives for this decision. Philip Crawford, the chief commissioner of the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission, acknowledged some progress made by The Star Sydney but attributed the prolonged suspension to issues stemming from the parent company.
The Federal Court of Australia previously found two former senior executives of The Star Entertainment Group in breach of the Corporations Act 2001, linking them to inadequate management and reporting of money-laundering and criminal activity risks.
Crawford remarked, "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. The NICC will be watching carefully to see how The Star and The Star Entertainment Group resolve these issues. Both companies need to demonstrate to the NICC that they have learned from past mistakes and can resolve these cultural issues without the need for the NICC’s intervention."
