Campbell Newman, the current Premier of the state of Queensland, stated that his cabinet cannot and will not be forced into carrying out hurried probity checks, concerning Tony Fung’s bid for the ownership of a local casino. Mr. Newman said that they will not grant casino licenses to anyone until they are absolutely certain that these are given to “respectable, reputable business interests”.
On the other hand, David Ford, the present Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming in Queensland, shared that he had nothing to do with the delays, related to the approval of Fung’s intention to buy the so-called Reef Casino Trust. Mr. Ford also stated that the probity process needs to be performed carefully and comprehensively, so as for local casino industry not to be harmed in any possible way.
Not long ago, Mr. Fung decided to give up on buying the Reef Casino in Cairns, for local authorities failed to carry out the probity checks within the set deadline. Yet, he expressed his interest in purchasing the Canberra Casino. It seems that Mr. Fung has been promised by ACT authorities that the checks will be finalized soon.
Mr. Ford stated that the Cairns project probity checks were carried out by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing together with ACT regulators. Their intention was to run careful and comprehensive investigation on Fung’s Aquis development, so as to make sure that even the slightest detail has been paid attention to.
Ford also announced that Fung and his company had promised to extend the deadline and to fully cooperate the investigators. However, the regulatory bodies were provided with none of these.
The local Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming pointed out that Australian authorities have always tried to make sure that casino licenses are granted only to those who fully meet all the requirements needed. And this could be proven only if strict probity investigations are carried out. This way local casino industry will be able to maintain its good reputation.
Mr. Fung shared that he was concerned about the fact that the Reef Casino bid failure might affect Aquis in a negative manner.
Greg Jones, Chief Executive of the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission, informed the media that currently the Canberra deal is being investigated. The regulatory body is working together with Queensland authorities. He said the checks will be brought to a conclusion by the end of 2014.
Previously, the Premier of Queensland was a keen supporter of Fung’s project. Local authorities offered a total of three licenses to those companies that would be able to make the state a popular gambling hub. And Fung’s Aquis Group appeared to have everything needed to achieve this. Now, it seems that the company’s license depends solely on whether it will be able to pass the necessary checks.
