Why the Star case has unnerved Australian boardrooms

“It’s a private company” is a big selling point for directors when headhunters call, and ASIC’s case against the embattled casino group is making many directors even more nervous about public company boards.

The former board of Star, who are facing civil penalties for alleged breaches of directors’ duties. Top row from left: John O’Neill, Matt Bekier, Kathleen Lahey, Richard Sheppard. Bottom row from left: Gerard Bradley, Sally Pitkin, Benjamin Heap and Zlatko Todorcevski. AFR

Zoe Samios, Maxim Shanahan, Patrick Durkin and Sally Patten

Feb 14, 2025 – 5.29pm

Email LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Subscribe to gift this article

Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.

Subscribe now

Already a subscriber?

“Directors are not merely ornaments,” Dr Ruth Higgins told a packed courtroom in Sydney on Monday. “They are to read the papers and engage in oversight of the interests of the company.”

Higgins was outlining the case on behalf of the corporate regulator against the former directors of casino giant Star, which has been more than two years in the making and is being closely watched by Australia’s director class.

Email LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Subscribe to gift this article

Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.

Subscribe now

Already a subscriber?

License article

Introducing your Newsfeed

Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.

Find out more

Zoe SamiosBusiness reporterZoe Samios covers wagering and the business of sport from the AFR's Sydney newsroom. She was previously the media and telecommunications reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, and covered media at The Australian.

Maxim ShanahanProfessional services reporterMaxim Shanahan is a professional services reporter at the Australian Financial Review.

Patrick DurkinBOSS Deputy editorPatrick Durkin is Melbourne bureau chief and BOSS deputy editor. He writes on news, business and leadership.

Sally PattenBOSS editorSally Patten edits BOSS, and writes about workplace issues. She was the financial services editor and personal finance editor of the AFR, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. She edited business news for The Times of London.