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Probe into Star’s Queensland operations too narrow, says Opposition

A fresh probe into the Star group’s Queensland workings is destined to fall short without more far reaching powers, the opposition says.

Jul 01, 2022, updated Jul 01, 2022
The Queen's Wharf casino is expected to be completed next year

The Queen's Wharf casino is expected to be completed next year

The probe will have the full power of a commission of inquiry and seek to determine if gamblers excluded by police in NSW were encouraged to attend casinos over the border.

Former justice Robert Gotterson will be able to hold interviews and directly question Star employees and other relevant people, as well as examine evidence from an ongoing investigation by the state’s gaming regulator.

He will also be able to review the evidence and findings from a long-running NSW inquiry into Star Sydney.

However, shadow attorney-general Tim Nicholls says those parameters need to be extended so Gotterson can address the role of unions, lobbyists and government regulators.

“The terms of reference should include inquiry into interactions between ministers, government departments, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, Star board members and consultants,” he said on Friday.

“If this inquiry is to give Queenslanders confidence in the integrity of the casino licensing system and properly determine the suitability of Star Entertainment Group to continue operations in Queensland, we must see the whole picture and that includes the relationships between all the major stakeholders.”

Nicholls says he intends writing to Gotterson to press his concerns.

“I will also be asking for public hearings to be held as the primary way of gathering information and conducting the inquiry,” he said.

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Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said on Thursday that given the evidence that had emerged regarding the operations of The Star Sydney, it was important Gotterson could seek information from anyone he saw fit.

The Queensland probe will examine Star’s commitment to anti-money laundering responsibilities, management of high rollers and the use of China UnionPay bank cards to facilitate gambling by Chinese nationals despite currency restrictions.

It will also look into Star’s approach to harm minimisation, including whether it’s fit for purpose.

Queensland plans to strengthen its gambling laws before the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development opens in Brisbane next year.

The development’s casino, Star Brisbane, will be operated by a subsidiary of Star Group.

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