The $15 million fine was in relation to breaches of internal control manuals. Moreover, Star had been served with a direction regarding the operation of its compliance committee, and reporting lines within it. The reforms are expected to be implemented by June 30 next year.
The casino’s government-appointed manager will continue until March 31.
Crawford said the company’s transparency and accountability had improved “incredibly” under the stewardship of new chief executive Steve McCann, appointed in June after the review claimed the scalps of Star chairman David Foster and chief executive Robbie Cooke.
“We’ve noted a significant change and improvement in the dialogue between the regulator and the casino post Bell, and especially since the appointment of Steve McCann as the CEO, which happened in early August,” he said.
Star acknowledged the fine and its licence suspension in an update to investors, saying it was working on “a viable pathway towards suitability.”
“The group will continue to engage constructively with the NICC in respect of The Star Sydney and its operations while its licence remains suspended,” the company said in an ASX announcement.
Last month the ailing Star reported a $1.69 billion loss and said it would slash hundreds of jobs and consider selling assets, after negotiating a last-ditch deal with its banks to secure $200 million in loans.
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