Palaszczuk government launches review into Star Entertainment

The State Government will launch a review into gambling giant The Star to probe its suitability to continue holding a casino licence in Queensland.

The Palaszczuk government will launch an independent review into gambling giant The Star to probe its suitability to continue holding a casino licence in Queensland.

The ASX-listed group operates a venue on the Gold Coast and will be the gaming operator for Brisbane’s $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development.

Controversy has lingered over the group after the NSW gaming regulator uncovered disturbing evidence of money laundering and fraud as the Queensland government faced scrutiny for its initial resistance to assess the company’s suitability to conduct business in the state.

But state Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman confirmed on Tuesday morning that the government would review The Star, with the probe’s terms of reference to be revealed in the coming days.

“The Palaszczuk government takes the allegations of money laundering and integrity issues very seriously,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Investigations by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation into The Star are ongoing, and they are continuing to work with the Queensland Police and AUSTRAC.

“There will also be an independent expert review into the suitability of The Star to keep its casino licence.”

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman announced the review on Tuesday morning. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The Attorney-General add-ed further detail after addressing the Queensland Media Club on Tuesday, saying the OLGR had “now got to a point” in its investigations “where they do think we need an independent expert review” to look at the ongoing suitability of The Star to hold a casino ­licence.

“There is currently a commission of inquiry in NSW,” she said.

“Those terms of reference specifically include for that inquiry to look at not just Star Sydney but Star Group, which is the same company with the same executives that operate casinos here in Queensland.

“So we’re intending to build on what’s happening in NSW.”

The Attorney-General said the government would essentially accept the findings of the NSW inquiry but she did not commit to public hearings in Queensland.

She said the terms of reference were still being finalised, as was the reviewer, with both to be revealed next week.

In an announcement to the sharemarket, the gaming giant acknowledged the looming review into its suitability to conduct business in Queensland.

“The Star will fully co-­operate with any review,” the statement said.

“The Star continues to co-operate with relevant regulatory authorities, including the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation and the ongoing review being conducted by Mr Adam Bell SC in relation to The Star Sydney.”

On Monday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk refused to say why Queensland hadn’t held an inquiry while insisting her government was taking “all of these issues very seriously”.

Ms Fentiman recently introduced laws to tighten the state’s casino regulations – including a $50m fine for integrity breaches.