An inquiry into Star Entertainment’s Group’s Brisbane and Gold Coast casinos will begin in Brisbane today.
According to information from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, today’s proceedings will see former judge Robert Gotterson AO, who has been appointed to lead the inquiry, make general introductory remarks about the nature and scope of the review.
Applications will also be heard for leave to appear or to be legally represented at future public hearings of the review, while further information will be provided about the review process including likely future public hearing dates.
As previously announced by the Queensland government, Gotterson has been tasked with ensuring Queensland casinos are “are operated lawfully, ethically and in a way that maintains the highest standards of integrity and public confidence.”
The terms of reference for the inquiry state that it 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.
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.
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.
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