Kim Kelly, the former Chief Stipendiary Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, has been appointed the Deputy Commissioner for the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) on a permanent basis.
Kelly, one of the most respected integrity figures in Australia, had been in the role on a temporary basis since September 2024.
Kelly joined QRIC after it came under significant scrutiny, following a still secret KPMG report which was commissioned and received by former racing minister Grace Grace.
QRIC commissioner Shane Gillard resigned from the role in May as questions were raised about the management and culture of the integrity organisation.
Among those critical of QRIC were Tim Mander, then opposition racing spokesman, who assumed the role of racing minister when the Crisafulli Government was elected in October.
Mander has since commissioned a major review of Queensland racing.
Kelly, who previously served as the Chief Stipendiary Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club from 2009 to 2023, is seen as a key appointment as QRIC looks to put the troubles of the past behind it.
Bren O’Brien
Mander said Kelly’s appointment reflected the Government’s commitment to bring experienced, leaders into key roles in the state’s racing industry.
“Governing, adjudicating and policing the integrity of the racing industry comes with its share of pressure and scrutiny so we need a steady hand,” the Minister said.
“The best leaders possess a deep knowledge of the rules and the ability to make clear and decisive decisions and Mr Kelly has these attributes in abundance.
“His proven leadership capabilities are supported by his outstanding track record in racing in multiple jurisdictions across Australia and internationally. We are backing Queensland’s racing industry after a decade of Labor neglect.”
“The best leaders possess a deep knowledge of the rules and the ability to make clear and decisive decisions and Mr Kelly has these attributes in abundance," - Tim Mander
Kelly’s formal appointment comes as no surprise as he played a public and key role over the past six months.
“I am committed to ensuring Queensland racing remains fair for all industry participants,” Kelly said.
“I look forward to working with QRIC’s current leadership team to continue to strengthen the integrity of the racing industry.”
Bren O’Brien
QRIC is headed by Commissioner Catherine Clark, who also welcomed Kelly's appointment.
"To secure the talents of Mr Kelly as part of QRIC’s leadership team is a significant achievement and an absolute win for Queensland racing,” Commissioner Clark said.
“Kim’s role is pivotal in ensuring QRIC as an organisation upholds the Rules of Racing and, in doing so, acts to safeguard animal welfare and the integrity of the Queensland racing industry.”
Bren O’Brien
As well as undergoing a review, which will be headed former ATC chairman Matthew McGrath, the government has other challenges as Racing Queensland, which manages all three codes, is on the search for a new CEO after Jason Scott handed in his six-month notice in January.
Lachlan Murray is currently acting as RQ CEO as Scott has been seconded to help with the launch of a new greyhound facility, The Q.
