The operators of The Star have called in long-term legal advisers Freehills to assist in a spate of employment-related disputes.
Echo Entertainment called in Freehills last week to assist in the removal of three senior managers. Media reports in Farifax Publications claim the three senior managers have more than 40 years of experience among them and were dismissed for breaches of the company’s internet and email policies. The dismissals come after months of scandal at the casino, which culminated in the sacking of managing director Sid Vaikunta in early February. The casino is now the subject of an Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority inquiry. Prior to Vaikunta’s dismissal two female staff members made complaints that he sexually harassed them during social events.
Freehills fielded a team of about 12 lawyers and partners, during the five year redevelopment of the casino, led by partner David Templeman. Echo’s former parent company TabCorp used Allens Arthur Robinson for legal advice on the demerger of the casino business in June last year, when it became ASX-listed Echo Entertainment Group.
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