The Queensland government has decided to extend the suspension deadline for The Star Gold Coast's casino licence until March 31, 2027. This move provides the casino operator with an additional six months to complete necessary remediation work while allowing it to continue operations under stringent regulatory oversight.
This extension comes after guidance from Special Manager Nicholas Weeks, who reported that while The Star has made significant strides in its reform efforts, several key issues remain unaddressed. As a result, Weeks’ role has also been extended, ensuring ongoing independent supervision, alongside the continued external oversight of The Star Brisbane.
Queensland’s Attorney General, Deb Frecklington, reinforced the government's commitment to upholding industry integrity. "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 stated, highlighting that the extension is a procedural necessity rather than a loosening of standards.
Frecklington acknowledged The Star’s progress but insisted that the current expectations remain unchanged, allowing the casino to further demonstrate its compliance with key remediation commitments. She also thanked Weeks for his continual independent oversight of The Star’s progression in meeting its remediation plan.
The Star Gold Coast has previously seen its licence suspension deferred multiple times, having been pushed back from March 2025 to September 2026. The investigation into The Star began in 2022, resulting in its designation as unsuitable for licensure by October of that year. The outcome included fines and the appointment of Weeks, alongside a 90-day licence suspension attributed to Weeks’ comprehensive report.
In a parallel situation, The Star Sydney has experienced its licence suspension prolonged until June 30, 2027. Concerns regarding the company’s governance, leadership, and corporate culture influenced this decision. Philip Crawford, the chief commissioner of the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission, acknowledged the progress made by The Star Sydney but criticized the parent company for the additional suspension. Australia’s Federal Court found that two former senior executives breached the Corporations Act 2001, particularly in managing money-laundering and criminal-activity risks.
Crawford expressed disappointment stating, "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." He emphasized that both The Star and The Star Entertainment Group must show the NICC that they can rectify these issues without further external intervention.
