The Star’s Queensland Remediation Plan approved

The Star Entertainment Group has had its Remediation Plan, containing 640 milestones for operational improvements in Queensland, approved by the Australian state’s Attorney General.

The group revealed the plan in early November at its AGM, with CEO and managing director Robbie Cooke outlining plans to “rethink, reshape and reimagine” The Star’s future after a troublesome spell including fines and penalties.

Cooke said of the latest development in Queensland: “We’re pleased to have our Remediation Plan approved in Queensland.

“It’s an important step on our path to returning to suitability in Queensland and will track and hold us accountable throughout the multi-year program we are committed to delivering.

“At the same time, we are fully aware that successful implementation of the Remediation Plan will require the utmost rigour and discipline.

“We need to regain the trust and confidence of all our stakeholders and communities and continue to have an unwavering focus on transformation. That comes from a clear understanding that holding casino licences is a privilege, not a right.”

As well as having its Queensland Remediation Plan approved, The Star has pushed back its 90-day casino licence suspensions for The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos from December 1 this year to May 31 2024.

The approval relates to The Star’s Queensland operations and the group said it is “continuing to engage” with authorities in New South Wales in relation to its Sydney operations, with a related announcement expected in due course.

However, The Star has revealed that Nicholas Weeks, the independently appointed manager of the group’s Sydney Casino in New South Wales who was brought in to oversee operational improvements at the casino, has had his term extended until June 30 next year.

The Star said the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission has advised the group that the proposed extension will give the operator “additional time to satisfy the NICC that it is capable of undertaking the remedial action required for it to become suitable and be permitted to return to gaming in accordance with the provisions of the Sydney casino licence.”