SkyCity Adelaide

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS ().7 March 2023).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): I have been advised:

On 1 February 2023, the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, Mr Dini Soulio, received preliminary material from former Supreme Court Justice Hon. Brian Martin AO KC in the investigation into the continued suitability of SkyCity Adelaide Pty Ltd to hold the South Australian casino licence and the suitability of its parent company, SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd (NZ), to be a close associate.

As the honourable member would recall, the investigation was commissioned by Mr Soulio last year after reviews into the operation of casinos in other jurisdictions highlighted broader systemic issues that may be relevant to the gambling operations at SkyCity Adelaide.

Noting that AUSTRAC commenced proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against SkyCity Adelaide in December 2022 for alleged serious and systemic noncompliance with Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws, I am advised that Mr Martin advised the commissioner that until the resolution of the AUSTRAC proceedings, it is not possible to determine reliably the question of suitability.

The commissioner has advised the government that while Mr Martin's investigation has been separate from the proceedings initiated by AUSTRAC in the Federal Court, there is clearly some overlap that will need to be considered further.

As a result, the commissioner has placed Mr Martin's investigation on hold. Once the AUSTRAC proceedings have been resolved, the commissioner will then be in a better position to consider when and whether the investigation into the continued suitability of SkyCity Adelaide Pty Ltd to hold the casino licence and the suitability of its parent company SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd (NZ) to be a close associate, should resume.

Notwithstanding that the question of overall suitability does remain unresolved at this time, I am advised that the commissioner wrote to SkyCity Adelaide on 6 February 2023 in relation to the allegations raised in the AUSTRAC statement of claim lodged with the Federal Court and preliminary matters arising from Mr Martin's investigation, seeking a response within 28 days.

I am further advised that on application by SkyCity Adelaide, the commissioner granted an extension for providing a response or making representations until 31 March 2023. The commissioner will now give consideration to any potential action that may be taken.

The government supports the commissioner's decision to place the investigation on hold and notes that it was not taken lightly. While this process is underway, it is not appropriate for the government to comment any further on the investigation or the AUSTRAC proceedings currently before the Federal Court.