What is wrong with politicians, don't they read, don't they google for information? apparently not, if they did they probably would have a better understanding of what is happening.
 |
| Member for Leichardt Warren Entsch |
he didn't want to compromise the probity process but it needed to be completed quickly and also stated that if he was approached he will see what he can do to assist the the developer.
If that is not interfering or compromising the process then what is.
Locals have noticed that the two local members, Gavin King and Michael Trout have backed off the push for Aquis for reasons unknown and well advised to do so but one would assume that it has something to do with what the Commissioner for Liquor licensing David Ford has had to say in Saturdays Weekend Post........
Mr Ford said the probity investigation started on March 5, not a year ago.
“Although significant progress has been made in the investigation, important financial information, including issues around its equity funding and future cash flows, remains outstanding from Aquis,’’ he said. “In addition, discussions with the Queensland Police Service and through them with international policing agencies, to finalise consideration of the reputation and criminal history of Aquis and its associates are yet to be finalised.
“The nature of casinos has made them targets for organised crime, both in their ownership and as a means of laundering ill-gotten gains. While this has never been an issue in Queensland it is important that the regulatory processes work to eliminate these risks as far as is possible.
“Obviously, there are a number of factors which affect the length of probity processes including whether the applicant has been similarly licensed elsewhere, their corporate structure and source of funds.
“I would note that Aquis has had little corporate history in Australia, has not been similarly licensed elsewhere and is sourcing a significant proportion of its funds from offshore".
Mr Entsch would also be well advised to back off and let the probity process go it's course.
We are not talking about a $100,000,000 motel or hotel this is a $8.5 billion dollar mega structure and the process takes time and if Mr Fung doesn't appreciate our way dealing with these matters then don't make threats because that's the quickest way to get locals off side and it would appear from comments in the Post a lot of people are "pissed" off.
Mr Entsch also compared this process with the Townsville Casino which he says only took only eight months, well the Townsville Casino didn't cost $8.5 billion and this process started in March 2014 and to my calculations is eight months today.
It would appear that there are concerns especially with financing and the developers having no previous experience in this field.
The licencing department would appear to be carrying out their investigations in a diligent manner and if it takes another 6 months so be it
No comments:
Post a Comment