The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has announced a second inquiry into The Star, to investigate the Sydney casino’s suitability.
The NICC has appointed Adam Bell SC to conduct an inquiry, before the independent manager’s term ends in June.
Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford, said Mr Bell’s 2022 report necessitated deep structural change that would address the casino’s failings and prevent further misconduct.
“There was a substantial shift required and The Star has had 18 months to demonstrate that it has the capability and resources to regain its casino licence,” Mr Crawford said.
When the manager was extended for the second time in December last year, the NICC was not satisfied The Star was progressing its remediation in a timely fashion.
“The NICC has had concerns about the extent that remediation is attributable to the manager’s oversight and direction versus what is being driven by The Star’s reform agenda.”
“Bell Two will bring us back to the Bell Report and The Star’s efforts to regain its casino licence in the shadow of that report.”
Bell Two will run for approximately 15 weeks, from today, with the final report due to the NICC on 31 May 2024. Hearings will be held in camera and the report will be released publicly in due course.
“There is much at stake for The Star, so the NICC is giving the casino every chance it can to demonstrate whether it has the capacity and competence to achieve suitability,” Mr Crawford said.
“This includes meeting its financial obligations under the casino licence and funding its remediation program sufficiently.
“The inquiry will provide the NICC with the information needed to make an important decision for The Star, its employees, its stakeholders and the wider community.”
Further information, including the terms of reference, will be published to the NICC website.