Brisbane Star Entertainment casino workers to strike over pay negotiations amid ongoing financial woes

July 4 2025
ABC News.


Hundreds of workers at Star's Brisbane casino are set to walk off the job, saying the entertainment group has proposed cutting penalty rates as it faces financial woes.    

United Workers Union president Jo Schofield said staff would take protected industrial action from 4pm to 6pm after Star failed to bring a "reasonable offer" to the bargaining table.

"They have been forced into this position because of the failure of Star to recognise the cost-of-living pressures [workers] are under, but also the skills, commitment and loyalty workers have shown to the company during what has been an incredibly tumultuous time," she said.

"One of the most insulting things that is on the table from Star is a proposal to cut penalty rates for people working on a Sunday, and this is completely unacceptable to workers."
A spokesperson for The Star said they were "disappointed" workers were taking industrial action as it would impact visitors.

"The Star has been doing everything possible to secure a stable financial future that will provide security for its workers, customers, suppliers, investors, and other stakeholders," they said.


The Star opened at Brisbane's Queen's Wharf last year.

The spokesperson said The Star had been in "long and challenging" negotiations with unions in Brisbane.

"We have been flexible, diligent, and measured in making an offer that adds wage growth for team members whilst absolutely stretching the financials of the business," they said.

"We value all team members and offer excellent employee benefits.

"We are disappointed that protected industrial action will be taken — as this action impacts all visitors that arrive to The Star Brisbane seeking memorable hospitality experiences."

Premier says 'we just want workers to have a job'
The future of the Brisbane casino has been in doubt for months with Star Entertainment's shares plummeting in February and the company failing to post its financial results in March.

It entered into a deal with Hong Kong investors in early March, after months of warnings about its financial future.

However, on Monday Hong Kong investors Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium threatened to walk away from an agreement to buy Star's stake in the Queen's Wharf casino and hotel complex for $53 million.

Renewed financial threat for Star as Brisbane casino deal faces collapse
Photo shows An intricate golden star shape above capital letters that spell out "The Star" advertising a casino.An intricate golden star shape above capital letters that spell out "The Star" advertising a casino.
The Hong Kong investors poised to buy Star out of Brisbane's Queen's Wharf development have threatened to walk away.

The two firms issued Star with a notice to terminate the deal, which will come into effect on Monday unless it is withdrawn within five business days.

Last week, Star shareholders separately approved a $300 million rescue deal backed by US casino giant Bally's and existing investor Bruce Mathieson.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said he was worried about Star's operations and would continue to support staff.

"Whatever iteration it takes in the future, our only concern is that the doors stay open and that people can go to work during that transition of ownership or whatever that looks like," he said.

"We just want workers to have a job."

Casinos are like the Holiest of Temples for the Entertainment Media Industry where sucker pilgrims go to make financial offerings to the Stars because Gambling is a spiritual form of entertainment for the believers.