The Queensland Premier has indicated Star Entertainment selling assets is a way forward for the casino operator that is facing collapse. On Tuesday, David Crisafulli was at pains to say he would not comment on Star Entertainment’s financial viability. But he did leave the door open for tax relief negotiations, while suggesting another operator’s name may well replace Star.
“I would suggest to you there’s not a lot of workers who care what the name of the company is. They just want a job and we have exactly the same attitude,” Mr Crisafulli said. “If the operation can remain open, if whoever owns it is able to then invest in the developments that were promised, and were always part of the deal, that will create more jobs.
” The jobs of 9000 Star Entertainment staff in NSW and Queensland are in the lurch as the company calls on the state governments for a pause on gambling taxes. On Monday, Star Entertainment Group told the ASX there was “no certainty” it could improve its financial position without help. Steadily falling cash reserves leave little in the tank beyond late February.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has ruled out a lifeline. “We’ve got funding requests right across NSW, from roads to psychiatrists to nurses to the railways. I mean, I don’t have money for casinos, I’m sorry,” Mr Minns said recently.
However, the Queensland government is keeping the door open to negotiations, which would affect 6000 workers at the newly opened Brisbane casino and .
