Queensland’s Premier is potentially extending an olive branch to embattled Australian gaming operator The Star, but also stating that the operator had not kept its promises to the state.
According to the Brisbane Times, David Crisafulli stated that The Star’s obligations to taxpayers included that Queen’s Wharf Brisbane while remain open “and for it to be able to serve the purpose that it was initially set up for”.
The Star recently disclosed that there was ‘material uncertainty as to the group’s ability to continue’, citing just AU$78 million ($48.5 million) in available cash, and a possibility that it couldn’t unlock loans or secure ‘other possible liquidity solutions’.
Aside, from the precarious position this puts all of The Star Entertainment Group’s properties in, the Queensland Premier indicated that “there were also other terms and conditions that weren’t met”.
The official noted that the focus “right now is only on the workers in continuing that operation”.
Crisafulli (not so subtly) hinted that The Star could sell its Queen’s Wharf asset in the state’s capital, rebranding it under a different name.
Queen’s Wharf is a joint venture development, with The Star investors Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium each holding 25 percent.
“My concern is the people who work for them, and whoever they work for today or tomorrow, whether it’s the same company or a different one”.
He furthered, “I just want that place to be open, and I want as many people as possible to have a job”.
The official noted that any potential investor in The Star would need to fulfill on the obligations promised, with a particular focus on employment. Queen’s Wharf currently employs some 6,000 workers, with a previous promise of up to 8,000 or more.
Crisafulli was direct on his statements about The Star, noting “I’m not on their board. I have no interest in whether or not they are a viable entity,” cites Newswire.
This furthers a direct shutdown on a potential tax rebate from New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who noted that the state has funding requests across the state “from roads to psychiatrists to nurses to the railways […] I don’t have money for casinos, I’m sorry”.
