The Queensland government has decided to postpone the suspension of The Star Gold Coast’s casino licence until 30 September 2026, following the casino’s ongoing efforts to address issues raised in an independent review. This move comes after the latest advice from the appointed special manager, Nicholas Weeks, who has been overseeing the remediation process.
Remediation Progress, But Challenges Remain
The decision to extend the deferral was based on a report from Weeks, which noted that while The Star has made steady progress in addressing key remediation measures, some steps have taken longer than initially expected. In his report, Weeks acknowledged that financial difficulties and uncertainty surrounding the company’s future had contributed to the slower pace of progress.
“The Star is continuing to work on meeting the remediation objectives, but the pace of progress has been slower than anticipated,” Weeks said in his report. “The ongoing financial challenges have created obstacles, though progress remains in line with expectations.”
Originally, the Gold Coast licence was set to face a 90-day suspension from 30 September 2025, but the government’s deferral will now allow The Star more time to complete its work.
As part of the remediation plan, Weeks’ role as the special manager has also been extended until September 2026 to ensure continuous independent oversight of The Star’s operations in Queensland. This oversight is critical to ensuring that the casino maintains the highest standards of integrity and compliance.
Queensland’s Acting Attorney-General, Jarrod Bleijie, emphasized the importance of the casino meeting its remediation obligations. “The Crisafulli Government maintains the highest standards when it comes to ensuring the integrity of casino operations in Queensland,” Bleijie stated, as reported by Ministerial Media Statements (Queensland Government). “We will continue to monitor the progress of the remediation efforts closely, and this deferral doesn’t mean we won’t take swift action if the necessary milestones aren’t met.”
The government’s decision to defer the suspension aligns with a broader approach to regulating casinos, particularly after the revelations of a series of misconducts at The Star. A 2022 review found the casino’s operations to be deeply flawed, with evidence suggesting that the venue had encouraged individuals who had been excluded from other casinos in New South Wales and Victoria to gamble at its Queensland properties.
Previous Findings and Key Challenges
The 2022 review by the Queensland government revealed a concerning corporate culture at The Star, where the company was found to prioritize attracting high-rolling customers, even if it meant neglecting critical regulatory standards. This lack of due diligence created an environment where individuals with potential criminal backgrounds could easily infiltrate the casino’s operations.
Despite these findings, The Star has committed to a comprehensive remediation plan. The group’s CEO, Steve McCann, acknowledged that more work was needed but expressed confidence that the casino would ultimately meet its obligations. “We acknowledge there is still much to be done, but we are committed to making the necessary improvements,” McCann stated. “We are working transparently with the special manager and will continue to uphold the standards required for the casino’s operation.”
The deferral of the Gold Coast licence suspension comes just a day after an announcement regarding The Star Sydney. The licence suspension for the Sydney casino has also been extended, now remaining in effect until March 2026. This extension follows an ongoing investigation into the casino’s operations, which has already seen its licence suspended earlier this year. The special manager’s appointment for the Sydney location has also been extended until March 2026, providing additional oversight as the company continues to rectify its issues.
Despite these challenges, The Star is working closely with regulatory bodies in both New South Wales and Queensland to rebuild its reputation and ensure compliance with all regulations. The casino group remains committed to fostering a positive relationship with regulators and has expressed its determination to meet the highest standards moving forward.
