Sydney casino remains under the management of Nick Weeks
Australia’s Minister for Gaming and Racing has amended the Casino Control Regulation 2019 to extend the term of The Star Sydney’s manager, Nick Weeks, until 30 June 2027.
Mr Weeks will continue to hold the casino licence for The Star Pty Limited (The Star) over the next nine-month period, allowing the casino to continue operating gaming facilities while its licence remains suspended.
The extension has been made by the Minister for Gaming and Racing at the request of the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).
NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford said that progress had been made by The Star but questions remained regarding the casino’s progress against its governance, leadership and culture remediation which are crucial to ensuring The Star can operate under its own casino licence.
“There is no doubt that The Star has come a long way in addressing the matters which led to the suspension of its casino licence in 2022,” Mr Crawford said.
“However, recent allegations regarding governance, leadership, and culture at the casino are serious and are being treated as such by both the manager and the NICC. It is disappointing that despite the progress made by the Sydney casino, the Group company continues to experience problems that affect each of its properties.”
“The NICC will be watching carefully to see how The Star and The Star Entertainment Group resolve these issues. Both companies need to demonstrate to the NICC that they have learned from past mistakes and can resolve these cultural issues without the need for the NICC’s intervention.”
“Ultimately it is The Star’s responsibility to demonstrate that it believes in its remediation efforts and that they can do the work to ensure its remediation sticks long-term.”
The NICC notes that The Star is still awaiting the outcome of the civil proceedings brought against it by AUSTRAC in the Federal Court and there remains uncertainty about The Star Entertainment Group’s capacity to support The Star’s remediation while it fills critical leadership and governance roles.
“These are all issues which need to be resolved before the NICC can lift The Star’s licence suspension, which can occur at any time if the casino can demonstrate that its remediation efforts have been properly embedded in the business,” Mr Crawford said.