Mounting Criticism as Israeli Lobby demands Star Casino to Cancel the Free Speech Summit in Australia
Gold Coast, Australia – July 14, 2025 — Outrage is growing across Australia and abroad after Star Casino, one of the Gold Coast’s premier venues, abruptly cancelled its hosting of the Free Speech Summit 2025, just days before the major event was set to begin. The summit, organised by Australian National Review (ANR.News) and originally scheduled for July 19-20 at The Star Theatre, was to bring together over 20 international speakers and thousands of attendees from around the world — including guests who had already paid for flights and accommodation.
The cancellation has drawn sharp criticism after reports emerged that Israel and pro-Israel lobbyists were directly pressuring not only the venue but also speakers involved in the event to withdraw — making Israel the only nation on Earth attempting to shut down a free speech event in Australia. Organisers and commentators have decried the move as an affront to democratic values, calling it a blatant attempt to suppress open dialogue and criticism of Israel’s actions.
“The fact that only one nation — Israel — is actively working to censor this summit is telling,” said Jamie McIntyre, founder of ANR.News and host of the Free Speech Summit. “This event is about free speech, truth-telling, and exposing media censorship. And yet, Israel is demanding that we not be allowed to speak on our own soil.”
Organisers say pressure from pro-Israel lobbyists targeted The Star Casino’s management and board, which includes shareholders such as Vanguard — a major global investment fund with substantial Israeli ties. Critics are accusing the publicly listed Australian company of sacrificing democratic freedoms under foreign pressure.
“This is not just about one venue cancelling an event,” said McIntyre. “This is about a foreign-aligned lobby controlling who Australians are allowed to hear from, and what truths we’re allowed to speak. They are not only trying to silence us — they’re trying to control the entire narrative.”
Despite the last-minute venue cancellation, the summit will proceed at a new undisclosed location on the Gold Coast, with organisers determined to ensure the event goes ahead without further disruption or interference.
The Independent Media Awards, scheduled for the evening of Saturday, July 19, will also proceed at the new venue. Thousands of attendees are still expected, and over 10,000 global livestream tickets have already been distributed thanks to sponsors including BaliFreeReport.com and MarinaBay.City.
The speakers lineup includes prominent independent voices from around the world such as tech entrepreneur and anti COVID vaccine advocate, Steve Kirsch, Max Igan, Dr. Ben Tapper, Aussie Cossack, Syrian Girl, Roland Crystal, Dave O’Neggs, and McIntyre himself — voices that mainstream media and globalist institutions have long sought to marginalise.
“This kind of censorship only proves why this summit is needed more than ever,” said McIntyre. “The Free Speech Summit will go on. And Australians will see firsthand who really believes in democracy — and who wants to crush it.”
For safety and to prevent further interference, the exact location of the summit will be released only to registered attendees.
More information:
www.FreeSpeechSummit.com.au
Broadcast by: www.ANR.News