May
Star’s Brisbane project pulls Multiplex deeper into loss
The hit to one of Australia’s largest builders makes it another casualty of the ambitious – and financially disastrous – pet project of Star Entertainment.
April
Brisbane’s newest attraction has three infinity pools and killer views
The Star Brisbane launches its long-awaited Isoletto Pool Club, seven months after the hotel’s grand opening.
March
Mystery shopper behind Bally’s’ Star interest reveals himself
Stockbroker Angus Aitken told clients he was the sherpa for Bally’s Soo Kim on his recent visit to Sydney.
Hong Kong investors to rescue Star, close in on Brisbane casino
The struggling entertainment group has debts totalling $400 million and its shares have not traded since Monday because it has been unable to sign off accounts.
January
Star’s lenders bring in gun restructuring lawyer as casino risks collapse
The decision to hire Nikki Smythe is understood to have been driven by Deutsche Bank, which is shaping up as a key player in deciding Star’s future.
Heavyweight Star investors land in Brisbane as casino teeters on brink
The company said it was “no certainty” it would be able to raise any more money to avert collapse as it discusses its options with major shareholders.
Battling Star Entertainment loses the confidence of its banks
Once a $4 billion casino giant, Star could land in voluntary administration within months as its poor financial results discourage lenders and possible bidders.
December 2024
Queensland defers Star’s licence suspension decision
A decision on suspending Star’s licence has been deferred as the new Queensland government vows to scrutinise troubled gaming operator.
September 2024
Star funding deal done, now to prevent a white elephant
Star Entertainment’s directors will get over one hurdle, only to face the next. Such is the life of a casino operator in 2024.
Star’s Queen’s Wharf comes to life – unless you want to shop or eat
It’s been dubbed a “multistaged opening” or, in other words, a work in progress. But the sight of hi-vis and faint smell of sawdust haven’t deterred visitors.
Vow to release secret Queensland report into Star’s HK partner
The report into Star Entertainment’s marquee Brisbane casino examined possible criminal links with one of its business partners.
It’s time Australia put the guardrails on its gambling habit
The public is ready for gambling reform, if only politicians were brave enough to take it up.
August 2024
Queen’s Wharf opening to revive Brisbane – and Star Entertainment
After years under construction and a stream of opening delays, Brisbane’s mega $3.6 billion resort and casino complex will finally fling open its doors next week.
Star’s Steve McCann and the Malay tycoon
Sources say McCann has been doing a range of work for the low-profile Malaysian businessman since leaving Crown Resorts.
July 2024
Steve McCann’s big London trip
McCann took the reins of Star Entertainment on July 8. And on July 15, he was off to London, with the board’s acquiescence.
March 2024
Embattled Star caught in HWL Ebsworth breach
Hackers stole 2.5 million documents from HWL Ebsworth clients last April. Some of Star’s customers and employees were compromised.
January 2024
Energy guru takes keys to ex-Star CEO’s record-setting Sydney home
Energy expert Olivia Kember has emerged as the record-setting $13.5 million buyer of former Star Casino boss Matt Bekier’s converted warehouse in Sydney’s inner west.
Ord Minnett hoovers up Star shares with fingers pointed at Mathieson
The billionaire publican already controls about six per cent of the embattled casino operator. He is also a shareholder in the stockbroking firm.
December 2023
Executive departures deepen Star Entertainment’s legal woes
Betty Ivanoff, a former group counsel at Crown Resorts and Coca-Cola Amatil, resigns after about six months in the role.
August 2023
Queens Wharf consortium stops paying Multiplex bills
The Destination Brisbane Consortium claims delay payments of $123 million against the builder and is offsetting those against progress claim payments.