Casino giant’s ‘strong hold’ on state politics a major concern, say Greens
The Palaszczuk Government’s wait-and-see approach to allegations relating to the Star Entertainment Group was because the gambling giant had a “strong hold” over Queensland politics through donations and gifts, according to Greens leader Michael Berkman.
Queensland Greens MP Michael Berkman (AAP Image/Dan Peled)
Star, which operates the Gold Coast and Brisbane Treasury casinos and is behind the massive $3.6 billion Queens Wharf project, is facing serious questions about its operations in NSW amid allegations of money laundering.
Its competitor, Crown Casinos, has faced similar charges, but Queensland has so far refused to investigate operations of the Brisbane and Gold Coast casinos through an open inquiry.
Instead, the government insists it is “working” with the NSW regulator and Attorney General Shannon Fentiman has said Queensland would use the recommendations from the inquiries in other states to consider changes to the regulatory framework.
However, Berkman said Star had already “scored 10 per cent of the CBD in one of the biggest asset sales in Queensland history, plus 2500 pokies”.
“In return, Star has lavished both Labor and the LNP with donations.
“Star is a gambling corporation and property developer with very deep connections and what seems like a firm hold over the Queensland political class.
“The money laundering revelations are a test for Queensland Labor _ will they stick up for to their big business mates?”
The Queens Wharf project, dubbed an “integrated resort” but reliant on prospective patrons of its giant casino, has been hailed by the State Government has a major job generator and a catalyst for tourism.
In Parliament, Berkman said Star seemed to have intentionally concealed money laundering at the Gold Coast casino.
Berkman’s office provided figures showing that Star had donated $117,000 to the Queensland ALP and LNP from 2016 onwards. AEC data showed that nationally from 2016 Star had donated $640,000 to Labor, the Liberals and Nationals.
It had also “showered” MPs with gifts.
Fentiman said she took allegations of money laundering “very seriously”.
“In Queensland the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation is continuing investigations along with AUSTRAC and the Queensland Police Service in Queensland casinos,” Fentiman said.
She said OLGR was also engaging regularly with AUSTRAC and police to facilitate improved information exchange between the regulators and the Government would carefully consider allegations made in relation to Star.
“OLGR is working very closely with the current New South Wales public hearings and has been down there to meet with its New South Wales counterparts, as it did with the Crown inquiry which began with the Bergin inquiry and then the subsequent inquiries in Victoria and Western Australia,” she told Parliament on Wednesday.
