The Queensland government has officially pushed back the suspension deadline for The Star Gold Coast's casino licence to March 31, 2027. This six-month extension, announced last week, allows the casino operator more time to complete necessary remediation work while it continues to operate under stringent regulatory oversight.
Special Manager Nicholas Weeks provided the advice leading to this decision. He noted that although the casino group has made significant strides in its reform efforts, important issues remain unresolved. Concurrently, Weeks’ role has been extended, ensuring ongoing independent oversight along with guidance for The Star Brisbane from an external adviser during this period.
Queensland Attorney General Deb Frecklington reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to preserving the integrity of the casino 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 stated.
Frecklington stressed that the extension is purely procedural and does not reflect any easing of regulatory standards. She underscored that "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." Additionally, she expressed gratitude to Weeks for his detailed reports and the ongoing independent oversight.
The Star Gold Coast's licence suspension has already undergone several extensions; originally set for March 2025, it was first moved to September 2026. Investigations into The Star began in Queensland in 2022, resulting in the casino being deemed unsuitable for licensure in October of that year. This led to a series of penalties, including fines, the appointment of Weeks, and an initial 90-day suspension.
In a parallel situation, The Star Sydney has seen its licence suspension extended to June 30, 2027, due to continuing concerns surrounding the company's governance, leadership, and corporate culture. Philip Crawford, chief commissioner of the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission, remarked on the progress made by The Star Sydney in resolving issues but held the parent company responsible for its protracted suspension.
The Federal Court of Australia previously found two former senior executives of The Star Entertainment Group in violation of the Corporations Act 2001 for failing to appropriately manage and report on money laundering and criminal activity risks. Crawford expressed disappointment that, despite some progress by The Star Sydney, broader issues within the group are affecting all 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 they have learned from past mistakes and can adequately address these cultural problems without the NICC needing to intervene," he stated.
