Star Entertainment Appoints New Board Members Amidst Challenges

The Australian entertainment conglomerate, Star Entertainment Group, has declared the appointment of Deborah Page and Tony Thornton as non-executive members of its governing board.

Thornton will join the Star’s board forthwith, subject to all required regulatory approvals, while Page will assume her board position on the first of February next year.

Page is a seasoned business leader with a wealth of experience across publicly listed, privately held, public sector and regulated organizations, encompassing industries such as real estate, utilities, insurance, technology, renewable energy and investment management.

She currently holds the position of Chair of the Pendal Group and is a non-executive director of Brickworks, Growthpoint Properties Australia Limited and Service Stream Limited. She previously served as Chair of Investa Listed Funds Management.

Thornton boasts over 15 years of experience in corporate finance and strategic consulting. She currently serves as a non-executive director of G8 Education Limited and CS Energy, in addition to other companies such as Millovate Pty and Habitat Early Learning.

Previously, she held the position of non-executive director of Southport Corporation, Devcorp, the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation and Queensland Triathlon. During her time as an executive, she occupied senior roles at JBWere, Goldman Sachs JBWere and the National Australia Bank.

Starlight, a firm undergoing a significant change in its structure and values, has welcomed Deborah and Tony to its governing body. Ben Heap, the head of Starlight, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that they bring a new viewpoint and extensive knowledge to the group. He highlighted their vital role in the company’s ongoing reconstruction and change.

These appointments come amidst a series of difficulties for Starlight. A group lawsuit was filed against the company in the Victorian Supreme Court, alleging deceptive statements made between March 2016 and March 2022. The lawsuit alleges that Starlight failed to disclose essential information about its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing practices, potentially endangering the interests of its members.

Adding to the strain, Starlight received notices from the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) regarding its two gambling establishments in Queensland. These notices arise from the Gotterson Review, which concluded last month and revealed significant systematic flaws within the casinos. The state government subsequently declared the casinos “unsuitable” to hold their licenses.

The employee has received a last chance notice. They must present evidence by November 25th or face repercussions.

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