The same goes for evidence they considered trying to derail the inquiry, sought by the regulator.

These are the very people Star is relying on to renew its licence.

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Already there has been evidence before the inquiry suggesting the relationship between the company and the regulator was so toxic that they were in a war setting.

This makes it difficult to imagine that the current board can now work co-operatively on what must be a mutually desirable outcome of suitability.

Star is looking for a new chief to replace Cooke, but it will also need fresh board blood to repair the company’s relationship with the regulator.

Managing Values principal Dr Attracta Lagan, who was hired as a business ethics consultant last year, told the inquiry on Thursday that she got the impression at the board level and from Cooke that they didn’t understand they were operating in a regulated environment and didn’t recognise the rights of the regulator. She went further, suggesting Star resented the regulator.

All witnesses to the inquiry have attested that Cooke worked incredibly hard – but it seems there were large governance cracks. For example, senior finance and legal executives were left out of the loop on matters that were inside their wheelhouse.

Instead, Cooke was enabled by the board – or at least some of its members – to try to keep a lid on problems identified by the special manager appointed by the regulator, the NSW Independent Casino Commission.

The recently resigned chief financial officer, Christina Katsibouba, told the inquiry that Cooke hid the embattled gaming group’s true debt troubles.

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During evidence given this week, she also claimed she was asked to alter the books to make the company’s finances appear healthier, and that Cooke put a “material” investment proposal to the board without input from the finance team.

Katsibouba told the inquiry she and  Cooke had different views on disclosing business challenges to others on the executive team.

“Robbie and I didn’t necessarily agree on how much disclosure we should have with our leadership team. My view was that we should be fully transparent with them … so the minds of that team could all focus on developing a business plan to address earnings,” Katsibouba said.

In the weeks ahead, Cooke and Star chairman David Foster will get the opportunity to explain or refute the disturbing evidence that has been presented so far.

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