Queensland Star casino inquiry begins
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By Robyn Wuth in Brisbane
Public hearings into Star Entertainment’s suitability to hold a casino licence in Queensland are set to get under way.
Star is under intense scrutiny following revelations Hong Kong firm Chow Tai Fook, which received state government approval to take a stake in the Queens Wharf casino and resort development in Brisbane, has links to notorious Chinese organised crime.
The allegations follow separate claims of money laundering and organised crime links raised at a NSW inquiry into Star’s Sydney operations.
The Queensland inquiry into the gambling giant is set to hear from witnesses from Tuesday with Star management and staff also called to give evidence.
The probe will examine Star’s commitment to anti-money laundering measures, its management of high rollers and the use of China UnionPay bank cards to facilitate gambling by Chinese nationals despite currency restrictions.
A focus on the management of exclusions will take a particular interest in patrons excluded from The Star Sydney at the direction of NSW police, and whether they were encouraged to attend Queensland casinos.
Star Entertainment’s $3.6 billion resort and casino development at Queen’s Wharf in Brisbane is expected to open in 2023.
The review will report to the attorney-general by September 30.
AAP
