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John O'Neill to front Star casino inquiry

Staff WritersAAP
Star Entertainment's outgoing chairman John O'Neill will give evidence at the NSW gaming inquiry.
Camera IconStar Entertainment's outgoing chairman John O'Neill will give evidence at the NSW gaming inquiry. Credit: AAP

Just days after flagging his resignation, Star Entertainment executive chairman John O’Neill is scheduled to give evidence at the NSW gaming inquiry into the company’s fitness to keep its Sydney casino licence.

In a statement issued on Friday night, Star said the former CEO of Australian Rugby Union and Football Federation Australia boss had tendered his resignation and would also step down from the board “with a departure date to be agreed”.

Star’s managing director and chief executive, Matt Bekier resigned in March and Mr O’Neill was appointed to the role last month.

The NSW gaming regulator is investigating ASX-listed Star after media reports claiming the company enabled suspected money laundering, organised crime, fraud and foreign interference at its venues, including The Star Sydney.

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Mr O’Neill was due to appear a week ago but the hearing was pushed back without explanation.

Also due to give evidence on Monday is Andrew Bowen, the former director of institutional banking industrials sector at National Australia Bank and Star director Richard Sheppard.

Damning evidence at the inquiry has so far prompted the resignations of the gambling giant’s chief financial officer Harry Theodore, chief casino officer Greg Hawkins, and chief legal and risk officer Paula Martin.

Many of Star’s directors are also expected to step down after testimony of mismanagement, making way for renewal at the embattled company.

Directors Sally Pitkin and Gerard Bradley have already announced their intention to step down from the board.

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