Hazzard review contract extended again, but submission deadline approaches

Former NSW health minister Brad Hazzard’s contract to complete the landmark review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act was extended by the NSW government earlier this month, with his duties set to conclude on Friday.

According to Buy NSW, the online database for current government agreements, Hazzard’s contract “for an independent person to lead a legislative review” was extended for a second time, pushing his duties out until July 31.

The reason given for the month-long extension was “to finalise and deliver the report from the review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996”.

Hazzard initially charged $268,840 for the project from September last year until April 3 this year. The contract was then amended in late March to finish on June 30.

It was expected that Hazzard’s review, which is seen as crucial to the future structure of the racing industry in NSW, would be delivered this month, with Racing Minister David Harris saying in June he was awaiting the report.

However, after Harris ruled out a recent petition to expand the review, its delivery timeline was again extended.

That extension was confirmed on July 6, while a timeline for when the NSW government may choose to release the review has not been confirmed.

Hazzard undertook considerable industry consultation late in 2025 as part of the most significant review of the Act since it was introduced in 1996.

Within its scope has been the assessment of whether the Act remains appropriate to ensure the integrity and proper regulation of thoroughbred racing in NSW and to support the industry’s development and sustainability.

Hazzard is also considering whether the Act promotes integrity, transparency, and the welfare of animals and jockeys.

However, it has not examined the role of Racing NSW, nor has it looked at industry and commercial funding arrangements.

While participant lobby group, the Racing Reform Group, requested via government petition that those elements be included, this was rejected by the racing minister in June.

Harris said in June that adding the extra items to the review’s scope would fundamentally alter its nature.

“Once finalised, the government will carefully consider the findings and recommendations contained within the Review report to inform next steps, including any potential changes to the regulatory and legislative framework for thoroughbred racing in NSW,” he said.

The legal stoush between Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club, which resulted in the regulator successfully defending its right to bring the ATC under its administration, has intensified scrutiny around the need for clarity within the Thoroughbred Racing Act.

The Supreme Court of NSW made a key ruling in February in the ATC’s favour, only for it to be overturned at the Court of Appeal.