Queensland to open probe into Star Entertainment

The state government of Queensland, Australia has confirmed that it is launching an investigation into Star Entertainment and will focus on establishing whether the company is eligible for holding a casino license.

This suitability probe comes after other states in Australia raised concerns that the company may be associated with criminal dealings. This follows similar investigations in New South Wales where fraud and money laundering potentially relating to Star Entertainment are being investigated.

The probe is launched by Queensland AGShannon Fentiman who will be examining the Brisbane and Gold Coast properties and whether anything there suggests that Star Entertainment is unsuitable for holding a license. This is a response to other states’ concerns about money laundering, something that Fentiman said her office took very seriously.

In the meantime, she confirmed that the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation continues to investigate The Star as part of a collaborative effort with other regulators and law enforcement. These include AUSTRAC, the financial crime watchdog in Australia, and the state police.

Fentiman said that for the time being the findings and investigations will be kept very close to the chest. She assured though that if anything points out that the company may not hold casino licenses, the appropriate actions will be taken.

According to Shadow Minister for Integrity in Government Fiona Simpson, the review was coming too late. She directly argued that the government must have known about potential transgressions but turned a blind eye anyway. Simpson insisted that the inquiry is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.

She was joined by fellow Shadow Treasurer David Janetzki who argued that the findings of the New South Wales inquiry are sufficient to ask questions about The Star’s probity in Queensland as well as elsewhere. He agreed with Simpson and said that an open and independent investigation must take place to help the public better understand the issue.

Meanwhile, the outcome of the New South Wales inquiry is yet to be announced to the public. A final delivery recommendation is expected to happen at the end of June. Queensland has also been stepping up its efforts in making sure that money laundering and criminal activity may not take place in the state’s casinos.

The new bill that was introduced last month seeks to ensure that no casino operator will be able to color around the regulatory lines and engage in practices that may be breaking the law. The penalties applicable to offenders from the gambling industry have been increased to AU$50 million, but other, structural changes to the gambling framework in the state have also been introduced.

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