In Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Hawkins [2025] FCA 121 the Federal Court of Australia penalised two former executives of The Star Entertainment Group Ltd (Star) after they admitted to breaches of their duties in proceedings brought by ASIC against them and nine other former Star officers and directors.

Star’s former Chief Casino Officer, Gregory Hawkins, was ordered to pay a penalty of $180,000 and disqualified from managing corporations for 18 months.

Star’s former Chief Financial Officer, Harry Theodore, was ordered to pay a $60,000 penalty and was disqualified from managing corporations for nine months.

The trial of ASIC’s proceedings continues in relation to the remaining nine former Star directors and officers. Background.

The Federal Court declared that they each failed to discharge their duties to Star with the degree of care and diligence that a reasonable person would exercise, if they were a officer of a corporation in Star’s circumstances and occupied the office held by the respective executive.

The contraventions principally arose from Star’s dealings with, and in respect of, arrangements between Star’s casino and a junket operator to facilitate a period of gambling by a group of players. There were also issues with regard to Star’s relationship with its principal banker, National Australia Bank Ltd (NAB).

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Author: David Jacobson
Principal, Bright Corporate Law
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The information contained in this article is not legal advice. It is not to be relied upon as a full statement of the law. You should seek professional advice for your specific needs and circumstances before acting or relying on any of the content.