Mander outlines integrity safeguards under merged structure

Queensland’s proposed statutory Chief Integrity Officer could not be dismissed directly by the Racing Queensland board or chief executive under safeguards the government has outlined in its latest implementation update.

The protection adds detail to the governance model announced by Racing Minister Tim Mander in September, when the government said the officer would have equal standing with Racing Queensland’s chief executive and report directly to the minister and board.

The update from Mander also sets out timelines for key initiatives announced as part of The Next Lap last December.

The hybrid model would bring Racing Queensland (RQ) and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) together within a single statutory body, with the integrity officer providing independent oversight of integrity and animal welfare matters.

The officer would report directly to both the Racing Minister and RQ board, provide quarterly reports and advise whether integrity and animal welfare functions have sufficient resources.

The chief executive and integrity officer, who would have equal standing, would also have to immediately alert the minister to matters that significantly affect public confidence in Queensland racing’s integrity.

A dedicated Integrity and Welfare subcommittee would include an RQ board member and independent members. The Racing Appeals Panel would continue to carry out its current review and appeal duties.

The proposal remains subject to consultation and a Parliamentary Committee process open to public submissions. The government has left the legislative timetable open.

“The timing of legislation is dependent on government priorities,” the update says.

The government announced the amalgamation proposal in September. Under its original December 2025 plan, QRIC would remain independently responsible for stewarding and integrity, with RQ assuming responsibility for operational support.

Kim Kelly, who resigned as QRIC deputy commissioner in July, raised concerns about a regulator depending on a commercial body to provide finance, staff and business services.

“Wherever you get that dependency, there has to be an automatic loss of independence. So, the antithesis of independence is dependency,” Kelly told *The Straight*.

Mander’s confirmation of the integrity structure adresses those criticisms, in part.

“By amalgamating Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission and establishing a Chief Integrity Officer, we can maintain clear lines of accountability while reducing operational duplication,” Mander said in September.

Under The Next Lap, governance and construction will be the main priorities for the balance of 2026. Property work includes preparing the Bowen Hills site for sale, including valuation and approvals work, and engagement on Deagon Racecourse’s future.

A Racing Infrastructure Advisory Board is also to be established to recommend projects for consideration under the Racing Future Fund.

The government’s 2026–27 Budget allocated $200 million to the new fund, which is scheduled to begin operating in 2027 to support the development of modern racing facilities that are fit for purpose across Queensland.

Demolition of the John Power Stand at Eagle Farm is also scheduled for 2027. The separate Racing Infrastructure Fund has committed an initial $25 million towards the first phase of the $100 million redevelopment.

Design work for a new Racing HQ at Albion Park, intended as the future home of RQ and QRIC, is due to be finalised in 2027.

Harness infrastructure work scheduled for 2027 includes reinstating and lighting the track at Toowoomba Turf Club and continuing preliminary work on the Marburg Super Site, a proposed elite training centre.

The 2027 programme includes establishing a Jockey Retirement Fund and a structured qualification route for stewards to help address workforce challenges.