The potential collapse of Star Casino poses a devastating threat to Australia’s major night-time economies and thousands of workers, as United Workers Union calls for all parties to recognise the full scope of what is at risk if the business collapses.
The union, representing dedicated Casino workers across Australia, warns that without immediate government intervention, 9,000 workers face losing their jobs and the wider hospitality sectors Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney could be dealt a crushing blow.
“This isn’t just about casino operations – Star’s venues are crucial anchors in the night-time economies of the cities they operate in,” United Workers Union Casinos Director Andrew Jones said today.
“Every night, these facilities support thousands of adjacent businesses, from restaurants and bars to transport workers and security services. Their collapse would create a devastating ripple effect through our major cities.
“We’re looking at 9,000 skilled workers potentially joining unemployment queues. These are some of the best jobs in the service sector with family-sustaining wages and conditions.
“Losing them could mean 9,000 families struggling to pay the mortgage or rent and a massive hit to local spending that keeps our communities alive.
“The impact also extends deep into local supply chains. Over 300 food and beverage suppliers, including local farmers and producers, depend on Star’s operations. Industrial laundry services processing tonnes of linen for hotels and restaurants would see their business vanish overnight. Inaction also puts these Australian jobs and businesses at risk.
“Star needs the Federal Government and both Queensland and NSW Governments to recognise the full scale of what’s at stake. This isn’t just about one company – it’s about preventing an economic crisis in our major cities.
“The State Governments need to consider the cost of inaction. Supporting Star now could prevent the loss of thousands of jobs and the decimation of night-time economies that took decades to build.
“We are encouraged by NSW governments engagement in discussions to date and have written to the Queensland Premier inviting him to join discussions to save the 5000 jobs in Queensland.
“Casino workers should not bear the brunt of management’s failures, nor should the thousands of adjacent businesses and workers who depend on these venues remaining operational.
“Since 2020, workers at The Star have weathered COVID-19, various Royal Commissions and Inquiries, and ongoing disruptions to business. They’ve shown remarkable resilience, but they need certainty about their futures.
“The ongoing instability has caused huge levels of anxiety for our members, their families, and the broader hospitality community that depends on these venues. It needs to stop.
“The United Workers Union is committed to ensuring that casino workers’ voices are heard and their interests protected during this critical period. But we need government action now to prevent this crisis from devastating our cities’ night-time economies and forcing thousands of workers out into the cold.”