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According to the United Workers Union (UWU), the government’s inaction on the potential collapse of the Star Casino could threaten thousands of workers’ jobs.
In a statement, the UWU claimed that the potential collapse of the Star Casino poses a devastating threat to not only the workers employed at these businesses but also to major night-time economies.
The union claims that without immediate government intervention, 9,000 workers face losing their jobs, and with the wider hospitality sectors Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sydney, it could deal a huge 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,” said United Workers Union casinos director Andrew Jones.
“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.”
According to the UWU, the impact these job losses could have on the wider community could be immense.
“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,” it said.
“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.”
Overall, the union has called on all branches of government to take the potential collapse of the casino much more seriously – as, according to the union, it could lead to an economic crisis.
“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,” said Jones.
“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 government’s engagement in discussions to date and have written to the Queensland Premier inviting him to join discussions to save the 5,000 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 remain 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.”
Kace O'Neill
Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.
