Decision details

The original motion was moved by Councillor Ellsmore and seconded by Councillor Chan.

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         The Star Casino Sydney, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Star Entertainment Group, has had its casino licence suspended for failing to stem criminal activity and money laundering;

(ii)        the NSW Independent Casino Commission has also issued a record $100 million fine to The Star Entertainment Group;

(iii)       the fine and licence suspension were issued following an inquiry which uncovered a wide range of systemic issues with The Star’s operations and management;

(iv)       amongst a range of issues, tours and perks for ‘high rollers’ were identified as a key area of concern, which facilitated or was connected to criminal activity and money laundering;

(v)        The Star Casino Sydney and The Star Entertainment Group have written to the City of Sydney advising that they accept the findings of the inquiry and acknowledged the gravity of the conduct. Recent actions taken by the Star include management resignations, permanently stopping high roller ‘junkets’ and closing the Marquee nightclub;

(vi)       the casino is continuing to operate, under an ‘independent manager’; and

(vii)      The Star Casino Sydney or a related organisation may be allowed to operate the casino again in the near future;

(B)       Council note:

(i)         the Department of Planning and Environment exhibited the sub-precinct master plans and new planning controls for four key sites in Pyrmont between 26 November 2021 and 4 February 2022 and approved them in July 2022;

(ii)        one of the four key sites was the Star casino site at 20-80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont. The City’s planning controls for the site included a 28 to 65 metre height limit which would allow it to construct a 105 metre tall tower and create a ‘luxury six-star’ hotel; and

(iii)       those planning controls have now been approved;

(C)       Council note:

(i)         The Star is a founding partner of the ‘Sydney Western Harbour Business District’, NSW’s only ‘business improvement district’, proposed to enable particular businesses to have a greater say over the harbour and Pyrmont Peninsula; and

(ii)        the Board and leadership of the Sydney Western Harbour Business District includes one or more former executive members of The Star, including one or more members who have recently resigned from The Star;

(D)       once a State Significant Development Application is lodged for The Star site, the City will review the proposal and make a submission to the Department of Planning and Environment; and

(E)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to provide advice as to the governance arrangements of the ‘Sydney Western Harbour Business District’ and the City’s role in a CEO Update.

The amended motion was carried on the following show of hands –

Ayes (9)           The Chair (the Lord Mayor), Councillors Chan, Davis, Ellsmore, Gannon, Kok, Scott, Scully and Weldon

Noes (1)          Councillor Jarrett.

Amended motion carried.

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