Australia ยท Federal Court of Australia in ASIC civil penalty proceedings
Paula Martin: director ban
Under appeal ASIC said Martin filed a notice of appeal on 14 July 2026 and that the timetable was not yet known. No appeal outcome found by 28 October 2026. No start or end date is stated in ASIC's release or the penalty reasons.
Grounds
ASIC said the Court found that Paula Martin, former general counsel, company secretary and chief legal and risk officer, breached her duty under section 180 of the Corporations Act 2001 in handling risks linked to money laundering and criminal activity. ASIC said the Court found she knew of concerning information about an overseas gambling junket but did not report it to the Board. The Court imposed a penalty of 400,000 dollars.1,2
Companies
The Star Entertainment Group Limited
Record
- ASIC began proceedings against 11 current and former Star directors and officers.1
- The Federal Court found that Martin had contravened section 180 of the Corporations Act 2001.1
- Justice Lee delivered the penalty judgment, [2026] FCA 756, fixing a seven year disqualification and a 400,000 dollar penalty. ASIC said the Court also ordered payment of 45 per cent of ASIC's costs.1,2
- Martin filed a notice of appeal, according to ASIC. AGB reported the appeal asks for the proceedings to be dismissed or, in the alternative, for the penalty and disqualification to be reconsidered.1,3
Sources
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Former Star Entertainment executives Mathias Bekier and Paula Martin disqualified and ordered to pay penalties (26-123MR) (17 June 2026)
- Federal Court of Australia, Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Bekier (Penalty Judgment) [2026] FCA 756 (17 June 2026)
- AGB (Asia Gaming Brief), Former Star legal chief appeals ASIC ruling over money laundering failures (21 July 2026)
A disqualification restricts acting as a company director for the period stated. It is a civil measure and is not a criminal conviction unless stated. How bans work.