Entertainment
The new Queensland government has decided to defer The Star Gold Coast’s license suspension by a few months, providing the Australian casino giant with more time to apply its remediation measures. This decision will provide The Star Entertainment Group with a short breather amid a difficult period.
The Star Gets a Few More Months to Prioritize Integrity
The new government announced that the Star, whose license was set to be suspended for 90 days, commencing December 20, will give more time to the company. This significant decision was coordinated with Nicholas Weeks, the independent special manager appointed to oversee The Star’s remediation plan.
As a result, the suspension has been postponed for March 31, 2025.
The extra months will provide the company with crucial time to apply the measures outlined in its recently revised remediation plan. For context, the company continues to encounter significant regulatory scrutiny because of its past violations of Australia’s gambling laws.
While The Star Entertainment has been trying hard to improve its business culture and apply the remediation plan, it has so far been largely unable to achieve optimal results.
The government added that Weeks’ term as a special manager has also been extended to June 30, 2025, providing him with more time to guide The Star Gold Coast.
Star’s Progress Will Be Evaluated in 2025
Star’s progress with its remediation plan will be assessed in February, the Queensland government added. Depending on the outcome of this evaluation, the Australian state will decide whether to suspend the gambling giant’s license.
In the meantime, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington expressed a firm intention to hold The Star to account. Speaking about the new government’s approach, she said:
The Crisafulli Government has the highest standards when it comes to the integrity of casino operations and, unlike our predecessors, we are committed to transparency and restoring the confidence of Queenslanders in the regulatory process.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington
She added that The Star must know that its Gold Coast property will not be allowed to keep operating at the expense of integrity, the government’s high standards, and community safety. Even if this puts pressure on The Star, Frecklington said that the remediation action is non-negotiable.
Frecklington noted that the special manager report and the outcome of the government’s assessment will be released after the decision in March. She concluded that there should be no assumptions that there will be further deferrals, such as the current one.
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Angel Hristov