NSW Racing Minister David Harris’ part in the current Racing NSW board selection process has been heavily scrutinised, with the role of former harness chief John Dumesny as well as the legitimacy of the tenure of current acting chair Saranne Cooke called into question.
Minister Harris fronted a NSW parliamentary estimates hearing on Thursday where he faced a series of questions from Independent MP Mark Latham, Liberal MP Damien Tudehope and Animal Justice MP Emma Hurst over the Racing NSW board process and the proposal to close and develop Rosehill Racecourse.
Latham questioned the Minister about the presence of Dumesny, the ‘lifelong friend’ of Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys, on a selection committee helping Harris identify candidates for the board role left vacant by previous Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding’s sudden departure in December.
Harris repeatedly said he couldn’t confirm who was on the selection panel, despite Dumesny’s appointment being revealed by The Straight earlier this month, and another panel member, Elizabeth Mildwater, sitting alongside of him at the hearing.
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