RWWA to hold prize money steady as government industry review looms
West Australian participants have been guaranteed that prize money will be retained at current levels through the 2026/2027 racing season.
Racing and Wagering Western Australia says it will maintain base prize money at current levels for the 2026–2027 racing season across thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing ahead of a state government inquiry into the financial health of the state’s three codes.
The RWWA board’s decision comes as the industry prepares for a state government–led Sustainability and Financial Governance Review of WA racing.
The regulator said the move to keep purses unchanged was designed to provide stability and certainty amid heightened scrutiny of the industry’s financial settings.
The state government announced the independent review in late December, citing concerns about the long-term financial sustainability and governance framework of WA racing.
The inquiry is examining RWWA’s commercial arrangements, infrastructure funding, wagering revenue flows and overall governance model.
It follows several years of financial pressure on the industry, including declining wagering margins, rising operating costs and increased competition from interstate and online betting products.
The review is being overseen by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and is expected to make recommendations to government later this year.
In a statement, RWWA said the review would allow racing to confront the industry’s financial challenges head-on.
“The Review is an opportunity to address the WA racing industry’s financial challenges and establish settings that support the long-term sustainability of racing in our State,” RWWA said.
RWWA also emphasised that recent performances and participation levels across all three codes provided reasons for optimism.
The review will be headed by former WA Labor politician David Templeman.
Templeman served in Parliament from 2001 to 2025 and oversaw senior portfolios, committees and boards.
He will be joined by Professor Warren Harding, who has extensive experience managing complex government and corporate projects at a partner level with international consulting firms.
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