Adam Bell QC, renowned for spearheading the initial Bell inquiry, has been tasked with conducting the follow-up investigation, dubbed Bell Two.
Commencing today, on the 19th of February, the inquiry is scheduled to span 15 weeks, with the final report due by the 31st of May 2024.
Philip Crawford, the chief commissioner of the NICC, remarked that the second Bell report would scrutinise Star’s endeavours to enact the recommendations outlined in the inaugural Bell inquiry.
He stated, “Bell Two will revisit the findings of the original Bell report and assess The Star’s endeavours to regain its casino licence against that backdrop.
Given the significance for The Star, the NICC is affording the casino every opportunity to showcase its capability and proficiency in achieving suitability.”
He further added, “The inquiry will furnish the NICC with the requisite insights to arrive at a crucial determination concerning The Star, its workforce, stakeholders, and the broader community.”
In a statement issued today, Star acknowledged being informed about the forthcoming second Bell report.
Apart from delving into the aftermath of the first Bell report, the subsequent inquiry will delve into the organisational culture at Star, encompassing aspects such as risk management, as well as the managerial and reporting structures at Star.
It will also evaluate whether Star has managed to secure the necessary financial resources to sustain The Star Casino.
Adam Bell QC’s initial report highlighted deficiencies in anti-money laundering protocols and social responsibility practices at The Star Sydney, stretching over several years.
A subsequent report a year later on Star Sydney’s progress indicated that the casino had implemented 22 out of the 30 recommended measures from the Bell report.
These developments unfold as Star endeavours to rehabilitate its standing in NSW, having been deemed unsuitable to hold a casino licence in the state since September 2022.
Furthermore, Star faces a parallel suspension in Queensland, in addition to grappling with four class action lawsuits and a potential fine from AUSTRAC, primarily stemming from its associations with Chinese junket operators.