Star Entertainment executive chairman David Foster privately canvassed abolishing the independent casino regulator in New South Wales despite public comments he was fully cooperating, an inquiry has heard.
Mr Foster admitted making the comments in a text message to then-chief executive Robbie Cooke, but said they were "out of context" and "made in the heat of the moment".
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Under questioning from counsel assisting the inquiry Caspar Conde, Mr Foster said the suggestion about abolishing the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) related to "levelling the playing field" to ensure pubs and clubs receive the same scrutiny as casinos.
Mr Foster said Mr Cooke did not endorse his suggestion to abolish the NICC but responded "yes it is on my list".
Mr Foster was also asked about text comments on January 31 2024 that casino regulator was "prepping for war .. and we'd better do the same".
"It was a comment made in the heat of the moment," Mr Foster told the inquiry.
"As I've reflected on it, I was a bit trigger happy with a number of my texts.
"I do stress that all of my engagement with the regulator and Mr Weekes (special external manager to Star) has always been professional and constructive."
Last week, external manager Nick Weekes told the inquiry he assumed top Star executives were spying on his diary ahead of a special meeting with NSW casino regulators.
Mr Foster is alleged to have to CEO Robbie Cooke that Star could have an opportunity to "get rid" of Mr Weekes.
The second inquiry led by Adam Bell SC is examing whether Star Entertainment is suitable to hold a casino licence in New South Wales.
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