Queensland has deferred the 90-day suspension of Star Gold Coast's casino licence to 31 March 2027. The penalty was due to take effect on 30 September 2026. The decision followed consultation with special manager Nicholas Weeks, who oversees the operator's reform programme.
Weeks reported 'significant progress' on key areas in an August review but noted that 'several priority tasks are still in process'. Star has carried out organisational and financial reforms, though authorities want to see the changes work in practice. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the extra time allows Star to meet its commitments but warned that expectations remain unchanged. 'Queenslanders can be assured that if Star fails to deliver, we will act immediately,' she said. Weeks's mandate has been extended to the same date.
The licence was declared conditionally unsuitable in December 2022 after the Gotterson review found serious gaps in anti-money-laundering controls and responsible gambling. Star had ignored expert recommendations for years. The suspension was originally scheduled for 1 December 2023 but has been postponed several times. In September 2025 the government granted a year's reprieve to 30 September 2026 after Weeks flagged that financial difficulties were slowing reform. The current deferral is the third. The appointment of an external adviser for Star Brisbane has also been extended to March 2027.
