Hazzard review submission deadline extended

The deadline for public submissions to the Hazzard review into the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996 has been extended by two weeks.

The consultation period was set to conclude next Monday, but owing to increased demand, the window will now be kept open until 5pm on Monday, December 8.

Former MP Brad Hazzard is heading the review, which will determine whether the terms of the Act remain appropriate to ensure the integrity and proper regulation of thoroughbred racing in NSW.

However, the terms of reference have drawn scrutiny, as the review will not address the provisions of the Act that establish Racing NSW as a body corporate independent of government, nor those that relate to thoroughbred racing industry funding arrangements.

A newly formed Racing Reform Group, which includes influential thoroughbred industry figures, has called for these aspects to be included and has lodged a petition calling for the terms of reference to be broadened.

The review emerged after the recommendations of the Upper House Select Committee inquiry were conducted into the proposed $5 billion sale of Rosehill.

But the process has already drawn scrutiny after in-person submissions from members of the NSW trainers association were leaked to Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys.