Gary Bullock, secretary of Queensland union United Voice, has questioned the validity of Echo Entertainment’s casino proposal in Brisbane because one of its partners in the project, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, is linked to Hong Kong businessman Stanley Ho. Bullock cited CTFE’s investment in Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau SA, the parent of Macau casino operator SJM Holdings Ltd., which was founded by Ho.
Echo Entertainment’s rival, Crown Resorts, was scrutinized last month for its involvement in the Melco Crown Entertainment joint venture, which is two-thirds controlled by Ho’s son Lawrence.
In Sydney last month, James Packer’s Crown secured a licence for its Barangaroo casino after assuring NSW authorities Stanley Ho would have no involvement.
Now, Echo’s come under fire from a union who thinks that its partnership with CTFE is opening the door for Ho because CTFE’s chairman owns 10% of SJM.
“We looked closely at these casino bids because we want to ensure both bidders are held to the highest standard,” Bullock told Australia’s 7 News. “We never imagined we would find something like this serious enough to concern three governments including NSW and the apparent willingness of the Newman government to look the other way.”
Queensland Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney released a statement on Wednesday denying the accusations and instead questioning Bullock and the union’s motivations for meddling in the vetting process. Bullocks also assured Queenslanders that proponents vying for a Brisbane casino license will be thoroughly vetted before one is chosen.
“I have every confidence that every issue surrounding any of the proponents will be fully investigated and fully dealt with by the probity process which has only just begun,” Seeney said.
Seeney added that the winning bidder isn’t expected to be announced until the investigation has been completed sometime in mid-2015.
