Second probe into The Star will be open to public

The second NSW inquiry into the culture of The Star Entertainment Group will be open to the public, after Adam Bell, SC, who is conducting the probe, deemed the upcoming hearings to be “in the public interest”.

The recommendation to the NSW regulator was made two days before the chief executive of the embattled casino operator  quit. Lawyers for Bell wrote to the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) on March 20 advising Bell believed the majority of the hearings should be made public.

He has also asked for a two-month extension to the original 15-week inquiry.

The Star’s chief executive Robbie Cooke told staff late on Friday he would step down with a “heavy heart” after 18 months at the battered casino giant. He said he believed The Star would be unlikely to regain its coveted casino licence from the NSW regulator while he was at the helm.

Former chief financial officer Christina Katsibouba also resigned on Friday after pressure from the regulator and investors who believe The Star needs to part with all executives who had formerly held senior roles before it was disgraced by Bell’s first inquiry, which confirmed extensive anti-money laundering and counterterrorism failings in 2022.

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The news of the second state inquiry blindsided The Star’s leadership last month, and was requested by the head of the NSW regulator, Philip Crawford, who told this masthead at the time he was not convinced The Star had fully committed to the cultural change required to regain its licence to operate independently.

The hearings were originally expected to be held in camera, or privately, and are due to begin in mid-April. Bell’s final report is due on July 31.

The commission imposed special manager Nicholas Weeks to oversee The Star for a period of 90 days in 2022. His tenure has been extended four times as the regulator is still not satisfied by the group’s ability to operate independently or regain its casino licence.