What you said about Star Entertainment’s plea to Qld government over Queen’s Wharf

It’s the billion-dollar gamble many Queenslanders aren’t willing to take – what’s to be done with Queen’s Wharf? HAVE YOUR SAY

Premier Steven Miles says the Star Casino is too important for Brisbane to lose. Picture: Richard Walker

• Premier: ‘Can’t let it fail’

It’s the billion-dollar gamble many Queenslanders aren’t willing to take.

Embattled casino giant Star Entertainment is pushing for the state government to defer its tax obligations in a last-ditch effort to keep the lights on at the new $3.6bn Queen’s Wharf precinct.

Premier Steven Miles said discussions about taxpayer help for Star were ongoing, but suggested the most likely support would be in the form of delayed gambling and payroll tax payments.

The news immediately sparked a strong response from Queensland’s hospitality sector.

Star Entertainment Group was suspended from trading on the ASX this week following delays lodging its financial results – where it is expected to post a $1bn impediment and reveal a battle to remain solvent.

New chief executive officer Steve McCann is lobbying the Queensland and New South Wales governments and banks for financial support.

The Star Grand has only just opened at the Queen's Wharf precinct in Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

New South Wales has refused to intervene, declaring any support would fund the company’s Queensland expansion.

Mr Miles said it was a “pretty disappointing” response from NSW and said his focus was on supporting the thousands of workers at its newly opened Queen’s Wharf precinct.

The Premier said it was “not unusual” for the state government to support projects with large capital costs where significant employment is the dividend.

Star’s tax obligations would not be waived, but could be deferred, Mr Miles said.

However many readers insisted they did not want to be part of any rescue package.

Many claimed it was a last roll of the dice from the Labor government, while others claimed there is some merit in it if the conditions were right.

See what you had to say and join the conversation below >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

Not a chance

Lynette

Just a desperate government trying to secure votes….again

Bazza & TBH

With only some 6 weeks till the Qld election, how can Giggles think he has a mandate to bail out Star with state funds?

Rodney

We prop up Chinese solar panel and wind farm company’s to the tune of billions. why not prop up another failing business that specialises in gambling. its what blackout Bowen is doing. what’s a another billion on the credit card?

Anthony

It should be allowed to fail, taxpayers should not be in the business of supporting businesses just because they have been badly managed. Star has forced many other businesses to close its only fitting that it close also.

Megan

We don’t bail out gamblers so why bail out a casino? This is outrageous

Glenys

Put the money into the Bruce Highway.

Premier Steven Miles at the opening of the Neville Bonner Bridge as part of the launch of Queen’s Wharf and the Star Grand Casino. Picture: Richard Walker

You are kidding

Em

Just when you thought the out of touch government of Giggles, The Empress and the unions couldn’t stoop any lower, they do.

Allan

Miles can bail Star out with own money. Go ahead

noelod22

A whole new level of gambling with societies needs verses wants. Is this yet another excuse to play with imaginary money?

Robbo

Has anyone from this government carried out any due diligence on Star? anyone?

Sally

What I think is a “pretty disappointing” response is Miles even suggesting that Queensland (i.e. you and me) should bail out any business, let alone a casino.

Greg

Might be time to allow the CBD to fade a little.

Mr E

With the country in recession I doubt a gambling venue will be rolling in money, bad investment giggles.

Maybe …

Ian

By all means do so but Miles, personally guarantee the money for Qld.

Andrew

OK, get a new casino operator, there are plenty around, try looking in Las Vegas

Bundy Boy

Almost every thing else Labor has done have failed One more item added to the list won’t matter

Ian

I do not have a problem with deferring the payment of the state fees BUT they must be guaranteed payment of every cent of the deferred payments by each of the partners of the owners.