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Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceThe Honourable Shannon Fentiman

The Palaszczuk Government has released the final report following the review of the Queensland operations of The Star Entertainment Group, along with its response.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said the independent expert review conducted by the Honourable Robert Gotterson AO KC made 12 recommendations to enhance the integrity, minimise the potential for harm, ensure probity and restore public confidence in the operations of Queensland casinos.

Making sure Queensland casinos operate lawfully is a priority for the Government, the Attorney said.

Thats why I am pleased to announce that the Palaszczuk Government supports in principle all recommendations of this review.

I would like to thank Mr Gotterson andCounsel Assisting Dr Jonathon Horton KC and Ms Angela Hellewellfor their work in conducting this important review.

The Government instigated the review in June 2022 to examine serious issues with the operation and governance arrangements of the Star Group.

Mr Gottersons inquiries were informed by public hearings, the findings of the independent review of The Star Pty Ltd conducted by Mr Bell SC in NSW, and the Queensland regulators investigations and compliance work.

The Attorney said the review examined a broad range of issues, and highlights major failings and concerns, including:

As a result of these findings, and the findings of Mr Bell SCs Inquiry in NSW, Mr Gotterson found that the actions of The Star left open a finding of unsuitability to hold a casino licence in Queensland.

Considering the serious and concerning findings of the Gotterson Review and his advice regarding suitability, I have formed the view that The Star is unsuitable to hold a licence in Queensland, the Attorney said.

In accordance with the legislation, once aformal determination of unsuitability is made, The Star will be given the opportunity to respond to that finding through a show cause process.

Following the show cause process, a range of remedial actions will be available to Government, including fines, suspending or cancelling licenses, and as recommended by Mr Gotterson, appointing a special manager, as has been done in Victoria.

The Queensland Government supports in principle all 12 recommendations of the Gotterson review, these include:

The Government has also determined to raise the maximum penalty that can be imposed on a casino to a proposed $100 million.

Mr Gotterson found no suggestion of any inappropriate interference by the Minister of the day or Government in regulatory decisions relating to The Star. Similarly, Mr Gotterson did not find sufficient justification to change fundamentally the structure of the Queensland regulator.

However, in regard to the Queens Wharf Financial Commitment Agreement regulatory restrictions and compensation clauses, he noted that the State legislature should not be fettered in its capacity to impose controls on casinos or compensate them in any way for having done so.

Government has agreed with Mr Gottersons advice and will act accordingly.

The report can be found online here: https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/external-review-qld-operations-star-entertainment-group

ENDS

Media contact: Phoenix Campbell 0439 949 719

The rest is here:
Government responds to The Star review - Ministerial Media Statements - Media Statements