The tenure of The Star Sydney’s special manager has been extended once again as the property’s suitability remains in question.
Weeks’ Tenure Has Been Extended
Weeks was appointed to the role of special manager for The Star Entertainment Group’s Sydney property, following multiple regulatory failings. The Star Sydney was deemed unsuitable to hold a license and forced to undergo a thorough cultural transformation.
Among other things, The Star Sydney was scrutinized due to alleged insufficient due diligence checks and collaborations with shady junket operators. In his position, Weeks was tasked with overseeing the casino’s transformation and improvements.
Unfortunately, the casino’s remediation process has proven to be a challenging matter. According to rumors, a report delivered to the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) will once again find the casino company unsuitable to hold a license in Sydney.
While this is yet to be confirmed, The Star Entertainment confirmed in an ASX filing that Weeks’ tenure, originally set to end on September 30, 2024, has been extended by six more months. As a result, Weeks will continue serving as The Star Sydney’s manager until March 31, unless terminated earlier by the NICC.
The Star advises that the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has notified The Star that it has sought and received approval from the Minister to amend the Casino Control Regulation 2019 (Regulation) to further extend the appointment of Mr Weeks as the Manager of The Star until 31 March 2025, unless terminated earlier by the NICC.
The Star Entertainment Group statement
Star’s License Suitability Hangs in the Balance
As it turns out, the road to suitability may be bumpy. The Bell report, according to rumors, recommends that The Star should not be considered suitable to hold a license yet. Bell, according to media reports, also says that, as things stand now, Star might need up to five years to re-achieve suitability.
Despite these claims, the latest Bell report is yet to be publicly released.
In any case, Star’s management didn’t help its case either as ex-CEO Robbie Cooke and chair David Foster had to step down after plotting to usher in regulatory changes and remove Weeks from his position. In addition, the company was found guilty of falsifying welfare check records in order to appear in line with current regulations.
The extent of the NICC’s patience is yet to be seen as, in the worst-case scenario, Star’s Sydney license could be revoked.
