The Queensland state government has appointed former judge Robert Gotterson AO to lead an inquiry into Star Entertainment’s Group’s Brisbane and Gold Coast casinos, starting this month.
Gotterson will be tasked with ensuring Queensland casinos are “are operated lawfully, ethically and in a way that maintains the highest standards of integrity and public confidence,” according to Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman. He will also be granted all the powers, authorities, rights, privileges, protection and jurisdiction of a commission of inquiry.
Star operates The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane, and is due to open its AU$3.6 billion (US$2.5 billion) Queen’s Wharf development in Brisbane in 2023.
“There have been serious allegations made, along with a number of public inquiries and regulator investigations over recent years,” Fentiman said.
“Given the weight of evidence that has emerged regarding the operations of The Star Sydney and the shared governance and operational arrangements of Star Group entities more broadly, it is important the inquiry can seek information from anyone it sees fit.
“His Honour will be able to conduct interviews, and direct questioning of Star employees or other relevant persons should he consider it necessary, as well as review the evidence and the findings of the Bell Review and ongoing Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulations’ investigations.”
The government also released the terms of reference for the inquiry, which will specifically focus on Star’s:
- Commitment to anti-money laundering responsibilities, including detecting and preventing money-laundering risks, implementation of “know your customer” systems, and enhanced and ongoing customer due diligence obligations, particularly as they relate to high risk and high value customers;
- Management of VIP patrons, high rollers and international patrons, including the management of associated bank accounts, transfers, credits and deposits;
- Use of China UnionPay debit or credit card facilities and other arrangements to help facilitate gambling by Chinese nationals despite Chinese currency movement restrictions;
- Management of exclusions, in particular those patrons excluded from The Star Sydney at the direction of the NSW Police Commissioner, and whether patrons excluded by NSW Police were actively encouraged or incentivised to attend Star Group’s Queensland casinos;
- Approach to gambling harm minimisation, including fitness for purpose, implementation, and resourcing.
Fentiman also revealed the government will invest an additional AU$4 million (US$2.75 million) over the next four years into ensuring casinos are operated lawfully.
“This funding will pay for additional specialist audit resources dedicated to monitoring casino compliance. This will complement existing onsite casino inspection resources, providing more comprehensive regulatory oversight,” she said.
“Changes to the Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 are already before the Queensland Parliament as we move to strengthen the casino regulatory framework.
“This includes increased penalties (maximum $50 million), self-reporting obligations and the ability for myself, as the Minister, to direct a casino operator to engage an approved qualified expert to inquire into and report on any matter relevant to the conduct of casino operations.”
The Queensland inquiry follows a similar inquiry in NSW, where a final report on The Star Sydney’s suitability is expected to be submitted in August. Counsel assisting the NSW inquiry has called on Star to be found unsuitable.
