The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission has extended external manager Nick Weeks' appointment at Star Sydney for nine months, through 30 June 2027. The operator's license has been suspended since 2022, but gaming continues under the appointed manager's control.
Commission chair Philip Crawford acknowledged progress in addressing the breaches that triggered the suspension four years ago. But fresh concerns over corporate governance, leadership and company culture have kept the supervisory regime in place. Crawford said parent company The Star Entertainment Group continues to face issues affecting all its properties.
The regulator expects both the Sydney casino and the holding company to prove they have learned the lessons and can resolve internal problems without external pressure. NICC cited uncertainty around AUSTRAC's civil proceedings in federal court and doubts over the group's ability to fund remediation and fill key management vacancies at the same time.
The suspension can be lifted at any point if the casino demonstrates that corrective measures are embedded in business operations. The manager's powers may also be terminated early. The extension was approved by the state minister for gaming and racing at NICC's request.
