Star Faces Backlash Over Ignored Safety Warnings at Brisbane Casino

Star Entertainment is under fresh scrutiny after internal documents revealed managers had raised safety concerns multiple times about a weakness at its Brisbane casino complex months before the death of a young employee. Internal Reports Raised Sky Deck Safety Concerns Before Employee Death Records show senior staff warned in 2025 that part of The Star Brisbane’s Sky Deck could be climbed because of the configuration of a handrail and gaps between glass safety panels. The high-rise ride is situated on the 23rd floor of the Queen’s Wharf entertainment precinct. The first concerns were reported in May 2025, with more warnings issued in July and September. Internal assessments had flagged the balustrade design as a potential risk, and recommended changes to prevent people from climbing the structure, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald. The problem was not solved until a 24-year-old Filipino employee, who worked as a chef in the casino’s room-service operation, died at the site in June 2026. Documents indicate the issue was up for discussion within the organization in the months before the employee’s death. A September report considered the possibility of intentional falls and recommended considering modifications to several external barriers, such as modifications to the handrail and openings in the balustrade. Further discussions took place in October when managers approached the developer behind the Queen’s Wharf project, the Destination Brisbane Consortium, for permission and money to make changes. Additionally, that month, a separate technical review also called out how easy it was to climb the Sky Deck barrier as an issue that needed to be addressed as a priority. Star Remains Under Regulatory Scrutiny as Losses Deepen However, as at the time of the latest reports, a permanent structural solution had not been completed. More security measures were added after the employee’s death, and a temporary barrier was put in place. Initially, Star was the owner of Destination Brisbane Consortium along with Hong Kong-based Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. Star sold its 50% stake earlier this year as part of efforts to improve its financial position, but it still operates the Brisbane casino. The revelations come at a difficult time for the Australian casino operator. Star Entertainment reported a AUD307 million ($219.4 million) loss for the financial year to June 30 and gaming revenue down by over 5% to AUD756.2 million ($540.5 million). Auditors also expressed concern about the company’s financial prospects. Since serious compliance issues came to light in 2022 inquiries, Star has been facing continuing regulatory pressure. Its Sydney casino license remains suspended and is under the supervision of an independent administrator, who also has oversight duties over the company’s Queensland operations. In New South Wales and Queensland, regulators have requested further information after the most recent reports. Separately, authorities are considering whether Star should regain its casino licenses.