Australia’s Star Entertainment Group just dropped a bombshell by confirming the shutdown of its Brisbane corporate office, a bold move to slash costs and shift power back to its key casinos in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. This comes amid fresh leadership and aims to streamline operations, but it raises big questions about jobs and the company’s future. What’s next for this gaming giant?
Star Entertainment Group made headlines this week with its decision to close the corporate office in Brisbane. The move hands more control to its three main resorts, part of a push to cut expenses under new boss Bruce Mathieson Jr.
This closure marks a dramatic shift in how Star runs its business. The company told staff through an internal memo that it’s time to decentralize. Mathieson, the new Group CEO, stated clearly that they intend to shut the office in its current form.
Details emerged from reliable reports, showing this plan has been brewing since Chairman Soo Kim first hinted at it weeks ago. Star, facing tough times, sees this as a way to boost efficiency.
The office employs about 600 people right now. Sources suggest hundreds of jobs could vanish as a result.
Job Cuts and Worker Impact
Hundreds of employees might soon be out of work due to this restructure. Star’s plan decentralizes management, meaning resorts in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast will handle more day-to-day decisions.
This isn’t just about saving money; it’s a response to ongoing challenges in the gaming industry. Workers received emails outlining the changes, sparking worry across the board.
One affected staffer, speaking anonymously, shared fears about sudden job loss in a tough economy.
The human cost here is huge, with families potentially facing uncertainty. Star hasn’t specified exact numbers, but estimates point to major reductions.
Here’s a quick look at potential effects:
- Job losses: Up to hundreds from the corporate team.
- Shift in roles: More power to local casino managers.
- Timeline: Changes start soon, with full closure expected in months.
This could ripple through Australia’s job market, especially in Brisbane where the office is based.
Leadership Overhaul Drives the Change
New leaders are steering Star into this bold direction. Bruce Mathieson Jr took over as CEO recently, following a wave of executive exits including the CFO and COO late last year.
Chairman Soo Kim, who also leads US-based Bally’s Corp, floated the office closure idea just weeks ago. It’s all part of a bigger board shakeup aimed at turning things around.
Star has battled scandals and financial woes in recent years. Inquiries revealed issues like money laundering concerns at its Sydney casino, leading to fines and oversight.
This restructure signals a fresh start, but skeptics wonder if it’s enough. Mathieson emphasized giving resorts more responsibility to make quicker decisions.
The company operates major venues that draw tourists and locals alike. Sydney’s casino, for instance, remains a hotspot despite past troubles.
A timeline of recent events shows the rapid pace:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | Executive departures and new CEO confirmed |
| Early January 2026 | Chairman hints at office closure |
| Mid-January 2026 | Official confirmation and staff memos |
These steps highlight Star’s urgency to adapt.
What This Means for Star’s Future
Decentralizing could make Star more agile in a competitive market. By empowering local teams, the company hopes to respond faster to customer needs and cut overhead.
Analysts point out that similar moves have worked for other firms in tough spots. For Star, this might help recover from a stock dip and regulatory heat.
Gaming revenue in Australia has fluctuated, with pokie machines and casinos feeling the pinch from economic pressures. Star’s resorts contribute big to local economies, supporting jobs in hospitality and entertainment.
One positive angle: This could lead to innovation at the ground level. Managers at the Gold Coast site, for example, might roll out new attractions to boost visitors.
Yet, challenges loom, like ensuring compliance across decentralized ops. The company must navigate this carefully to avoid past pitfalls.
Industry watchers are keeping a close eye. If successful, Star could emerge stronger, but failure might spell more trouble.
Star Entertainment’s bold step to shut its corporate office and empower its casinos reflects a desperate bid for survival in a cutthroat industry, potentially saving millions but at the expense of loyal workers’ livelihoods. As this gaming powerhouse pivots under new leadership, it stirs hope for revival amid fears of deeper instability, leaving many to wonder if decentralization will truly pay off or just delay inevitable woes.
