Premier Steven Miles gambles millions to keep Queen’s Wharf open, save 3000 jobs

Premier Steven Miles has affirmed the state government would consider deferring the gambling giant’s tax liabilities, saying his priority was ensuring thousands of workers remained employed.

Hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars would be gambled by Premier Steven Miles on embattled casino giant Star as its lenders and shareholders baulk at offering help.

It comes as the state’s most powerful union called on governments, including in NSW, to do all possible to secure livelihoods of Star’s 8000-strong workforce - 3000 of which are in Queensland.

Star’s financial results from 22/23 show it paid $183m in taxes and levies to Queensland, though the earning abilities of Queen’s Wharf would likely increase the contribution.

Mr Miles declined to go into “every element” of negotiations with Star, but affirmed the state government would consider deferring, not waiving, the gambling giant’s tax liabilities.

He said his priority was ensuring thousands of workers remained employed.

“That’s my priority here. That’s my focus here. No one is entertaining waiving any funds. We want to make sure taxpayers receive the full dividend from this project,” Mr Miles said.

Premier Steven Miles said his priority was ensuring thousands of workers remained employed. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

But should the ASX-listed Star implode, Queenslanders would be on the hook, with Mr Miles saying the state would join the list of the company’s creditors.

The United Workers Union called on Star, regulators and government to “prioritise the jobs of 8000 workers” across two states as the company’s future hung in the balance.

“It’s hard to overstate the exhaustion and fear these workers have endured in the last couple of years, let alone the last couple of days,” UWU casinos director Andrew Jones said.

Mr Miles confirmed he had not had discussions with UWU head Gary Bullock in recent weeks over the Star issue.

Opposition justice spokesman Tim Nicholls argued the state government knew “some weeks ago” Star Entertainment Group was in trouble and demanded the state provide answers.

“Star is seeking to minimise paying its gaming revenue taxes and its payroll tax until it can establish itself... it’s all been done behind closed doors,” he said.

“Why did they still grant Star casino a license to operate?

“After the (Queen’s Wharf) opening, after all the bright lights, after Steven Miles has got the photo-op walking across the Neville Bonner Bridge we find out Star is in financial difficulty.”

The Star Crown Hotel and Casino opened its doors last week. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Mr Nicholls questioned why the state government was offering to bail out a billion-dollar entertainment giant with international backers and question marks over its suitability to run a casino.

“It stinks to high heaven,” he said

He pledged to release a report into the suitability of Chow Tai Fook to operate the casino if the LNP is elected on October 26.

Brisbane-based conservative think tank Australian Institute for Progress argued taxpayers shouldn’t have to take the pain for Star shareholders

“If Star’s shareholders and bankers are not prepared to stump up the money because they obviously think it is too high risk, then the state government should not be considering putting taxpayer’s money in,” AIP executive director Graham Young said.

“Particularly in a cost-of-living crisis when taxpayers themselves are struggling financially.”

Originally published as Premier Steven Miles gambles millions to keep Queen’s Wharf open, save 3000 jobs