00:00The drinks had only just started flowing for Brisbane's new casino.
00:06Now its main backer is asking the state government for financial support.
00:11We've been in discussions with them about their taxation arrangements.
00:17Last week Star Entertainment opened Queens Wharf, the new multi-billion dollar resort
00:21and casino precinct.
00:23A day later, a damning report found in New South Wales, Star had failed to reform a culture
00:29of unethical conduct.
00:31Star halted trading of its shares and yesterday was suspended from the stock exchange for
00:36failing to publish its financial results by deadline.
00:39You usually associate a trading halt with some washed out miner from the back of Burke.
00:44You don't usually associate a trading halt with a company that was a top hundred company
00:49and is now fading fast.
00:51Asked if the new Queens Wharf operations would be impacted, the Premier replied.
00:55Look I hope not.
00:56There are hundreds of Queenslanders who have a job this week that did not exist last week
01:02because of Queens Wharf Brisbane.
01:04So I really hope that Star are able to work through these difficulties.
01:09And the gambling giant is now betting on help from the state.
01:12Yes they've asked for support from the Queensland government but we're obviously working through
01:18those details with Star but our priority is focusing on the 1,400 new jobs.
01:25The ABC understands Star may be seeking gambling and payroll tax deferrals but the state government
01:31is adamant there won't be a tax break.
01:33Taxes must be paid and taxes will be paid by any entity who is liable to pay taxation
01:38in Queensland.
01:39This is a farce.
01:41To ask for payroll relief at this time is just ridiculous.
01:47This is the latest for the embattled Star Entertainment Group which has been the subject
01:51of multiple inquiries both here and in NSW, focusing on failings at the casinos including
01:58around controlling money laundering.
02:00Millions of dollars in fines and cost blowouts have added to its financial woes.
02:05If it goes into administration it's all over for the equity holders.
02:09A spokesman for Star declined to comment.
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