CTFE, owned by the wealthy Cheng family of Asia, operates a diverse portfolio of businesses worldwide, including Alinta Energy and the Loy Yang B power station in Australia. In partnership with the Destination Brisbane Consortium, CTFE holds the license to build and operate The Star Brisbane casino as part of a major redevelopment project in the Queens Wharf precinct. The consortium’s proposal to the Queensland government included significant financial commitments and job creation projections.
The Sydney Morning Herald sought to publish a story containing allegations against CTFE, prompting the company to obtain an emergency injunction in the Queensland Supreme Court to prevent the story from being released without prior notice. Despite this legal action, news of the suspension of The Star’s Queensland license until December was announced on the Australian Stock Exchange following advice from the Attorney-General. The extension was requested to allow time for the Queensland government to review the findings of the second Bell inquiry into The Star in New South Wales.
CTFE’s barrister argued in court that the details contained in the PKF report and supporting affidavits should remain confidential due to their sensitivity. Justice Peter Applegarth raised questions regarding the necessity of keeping parts of the report confidential and to whom these obligations were owed. The injunction was extended by the court until the next hearing on May 23, giving both parties time to present detailed written submissions on the issue. The Sydney Morning Herald’s editor confirmed their intention to fight for their right to report on the matter, emphasizing the importance of bringing this information to the public.
The complex legal battle surrounding the reporting of allegations against CTFE highlights the delicate balance between the public’s right to information and the protection of confidential and sensitive business matters. The involvement of a prominent multinational conglomerate like CTFE, owned by a wealthy Asian family, adds further layers of complexity to the case. The potential impact on the Queensland government’s decision-making process regarding The Star Brisbane’s license extension underscores the significant financial and social implications of the ongoing legal dispute.
As the court proceedings continue, the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability in matters of public interest remains a key focus. The Sydney Morning Herald’s determination to report on the allegations against CTFE despite the legal challenges demonstrates the importance of independent journalism in serving the public’s right to information. The outcome of the court hearings and the subsequent decision on the release of the PKF report are likely to have far-reaching consequences for CTFE, the Queensland government, and the broader community affected by the ongoing developments in this case.
