We believe that it is morally unacceptable for the Queensland Government to offer financial relief to a multi-billion-dollar corporation, while ordinary Queenslanders, small businesses, and families struggle with rising costs and receive no such assistance. Specifically:

1. Unfair Treatment of Queenslanders: We are never granted the ability to defer critical payments such as car registration fees, even when their livelihoods depend on it. In contrast, the Queensland Government is considering allowing Star Casino to defer tax payments, a clear double standard that favours corporate interests over the public.

2. Better Alternatives Exist: Star Casino has viable options, including sale to private buyers, which would ensure the casino's continued operation without the need for public funds. Queensland taxpayers should not be burdened with propping up a mismanaged business when private investors can easily step in.

3. Misallocation of Public Funds: The funds earmarked for this potential bailout could be better spent addressing the urgent needs of Queenslanders, such as improving critical infrastructure like the Bruce Highway or tackling the state's escalating crime crisis. Public resources should be used to benefit the people, not a corporation.

4. Small Businesses Left Behind: While businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are battling crippling payroll taxes and rising operational costs, Star Casino is being offered a lifeline. This is such a kick in the guts to struggling business owners who have received no such support.

5. Potential Scandal and Lack of Transparency: There are serious concerns that Queensland Treasury may be considering providing liquidity to Star Casino in return for equity in the business. If true, this would constitute one of the most egregious financial scandals in Queensland's history, and the government must come clean on any such plans.

In light of these concerns, we call on the Queensland Government to reject any bailout of Star Casino and instead focus on policies that directly benefit the citizens of Queensland. We ask the government to prioritise fairness, integrity, and the needs of the people over corporate interests.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to immediately halt any financial bailout of Star Casino and redirect public funds towards projects and services that benefit Queenslanders.