Former Health Minister Brad Hazzard will lead a long-awaited review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act in NSW, with consultations set to begin in October and a final report expected to be handed down in 2026.
Racing and Gaming Minister David Harris confirmed in March that he would commission a full review of the Act, which was introduced in 1996.
That action was in response to the Rosehill parliamentary inquiry, which recommended that the Act be reviewed to determine if it was still fit for purpose. The Upper House inquiry raised several concerns about the function of racing in NSW.
"The matters raised as part of the committee’s inquiry and report cover a broad range of issues relating to the Act. As part of its ongoing commitment to best practice in legislative review, the government considers there is merit in a review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996,” the government’s response to the report read.
Harris’ five-month search for someone to head up the review ended with him appointing a politician he had shared a spot in parliament with, albeit a former Liberal MP.
Hazzard spent nearly 32 years in parliament, serving as Health Minister for six years and Attorney General for one year.
The appointment of the parliamentary retiree to the role of head of the independent review was confirmed this week.
The scope of the review does not include provisions of the Act that establish Racing NSW as a body corporate that is independent of government, nor will it investigate any aspects concerning thoroughbred racing industry funding arrangements.
Bren O’Brien
“The review will determine whether the terms of the Act remain appropriate to ensure the integrity and proper regulation of thoroughbred racing in NSW and support the industry’s development and sustainability,” a statement said.
“The review will examine governance structures and processes established under the Act, along with mechanisms for stakeholder consultation and transparency.”
“It will also examine initiatives to ensure the sustainability and viability of the industry, including in relation to regional NSW.”
The announcement said Hazzard had “extensive experience managing complex reforms and consultation, as well as delivering policy and legislative change in challenging contexts with diverse stakeholders and views”.
Bren O’Brien
Stakeholder consultation will begin in October.
“There will be opportunities for Racing NSW, racing associations, clubs and participants, the community, government sector and other stakeholders to be involved in the review consultation stage, including through a call for public submissions and targeted engagement,” the Minister’s announcement said.
The purpose and scope of the review are set out below:
Purpose of the Review
The purpose of the review is to determine whether the terms of the Thoroughbred Racing Act remain appropriate to ensure the integrity and proper regulation of thoroughbred racing in NSW and support the industry’s development and sustainability.
Scope of Review
The scope of the review is to:
- assess and make findings in relation to the effectiveness of:
- Governance structures and processes established under the Thoroughbred Racing Act, including appointment requirements and tenure limits for Racing NSW members
- Transparency mechanisms under the Act, specifically the accessibility and transparency of information concerning Racing NSW’s commercial work and activities, as well as its accountability and reporting on key public interest issues in relation to strategic planning, animal welfare and integrity.
- Stakeholder consultation and participation mechanisms under the Act, including their effectiveness in ensuring industry engagement in decision-making, for example, the Racing Industry Consultation Group.
- Initiatives to ensure the sustainability and viability of the industry, including in relation to regional NSW.
2. recommend legislative changes to the Act, if necessary, based on the findings of the review.
The review is to consider the appropriateness of the mechanisms and processes identified having due regard to best practice, research and evidence and the need to:
- ensure the integrity and proper regulation of thoroughbred racing in the State
- promote animal and jockey welfare and responsible racing practices
- support the industry’s development and its long-term sustainability, in line with the interests of the public and the industry as a whole.
For the avoidance of doubt, the scope of the review does not include:
- provisions of the Act that establish Racing NSW as a body corporate that is independent of government (Sections 4 and 5)
- provisions of the Act that relate to thoroughbred racing industry funding arrangements (such as the totalizator distribution arrangements in Division 3 of Part 2A).
