Soap opera over for Star Casino – inquiry

Sid Vaikunta

Former Star boss Sid Vaikunta and his wife Malavika. Picture: Facebook
Source: Supplied




THE head of the NSW independent casino authority has declared the “soap opera” surrounding the sacking of former Star casino boss Sid Vaikunta over.


However, the chair of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority Chris Sidoti paid tribute to the two women at the centre of the scandal.

An inquiry into Sydney’s Star casino cleared it of any wrongdoing over its investigation of sexual harassment claims against Mr Vaikunta.

The report by Gail Furness, SC, says The Star “properly and thoroughly” looked into the allegations.

Mr Sidoti said the body accepted Ms Furness’ findings, and acknowledged the company’s strong stand against sexual harassment.

“This has played like a soap opera over the past few months, all sex, drugs and rock and roll,” he told reporters in Sydney.

“Well, this particular season of the soap opera is over.”

Months of anxiety

Mr Sidoti said he had great admiration and respect for the two women who made the allegations against Mr Vaikunta in December. The casino sacked Mr Vaikunta in February.

“Their courage and strength in making and pursing these complaints are inspiring,” Mr Sidoti said.

“Both have had to endure months of anxiety in this matter as it has remained prominent in the media and in public consciousness.

“It cannot have been easy for them then, or at any time since, over the past six months.”

Mr Sidoti said while he personally found Echo’s delay in notifying ILGA about the harassment complaints “difficult”, the authority had yet to decide whether it would take action.

He said the maximum penalty available to the authority was the loss of Echo’s casino licence and a $1 million fine.

“I’m not implying for a moment that this is a matter that may warrant the imposition of maximum penalties,” he added.

“We haven’t come anywhere near that point.”

Premier’s man cleared

Ms Furness also cleared NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell’s former communications chief, Peter Grimshaw, of any wrongdoing.

The inquiry had heard evidence he and his partner, one of the two women who made a complaint against Mr Vaikunta, had mounted a secret campaign against the casino and its former boss.

However, the report said Echo was able to conduct its investigation into Mr Vaikunta “free from external influence”.

Mr Grimshaw resigned after fronting the ILGA inquiry earlier in April but over allegations unrelated to The Star.

NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson said the findings do nothing to restore integrity to Mr O’Farrell or his office.

“This government looks dodgy over this whole Star scandal,” he told reporters in Sydney

“There are questions that still need to be answered by Barry O’Farrell about his involvement in this sordid scandal.”

Hands tied

Mr Robertson said the opposition had been denied access to 19 documents including emails by Mr O’Farrell and between his office and The Star.

“What we have is a premier that refused to give evidence (at the inquiry) and refuses to release information and papers that may show that he had been involved in this whole scandal.”

He accused the government of restricting Ms Furness’ investigation.

“Gail Furness had her hands tied by the terms of reference set by the government,” he said.

He said the fact that Mr Souris gave evidence to the inquiry in secret “just raises more questions” about the government’s involvement in the saga.

You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

Leave a Reply

Powered by WordPress | Designed by: Premium WordPress Themes | Thanks to Themes Gallery, Bromoney and Wordpress Themes