The release of the much-anticipated Queensland Racing Review has been delayed by Racing Minister Tim Mander, just days before he was due to front stakeholders with the plans.
The review, undertaken by former Australian Turf Club chairman Matthew McGrath, was commissioned by Mander earlier this year and has involved extensive stakeholder consultation.
It is expected to touch on almost every aspect of the three codes of Queensland racing, from integrity, to club funding, to the role of Racing Queensland and the current Point Of Consumption Tax regime.
But while it promises to be the most significant strategic reset for racing in the state in a decade, Mander decided on Thursday not to proceed with a key industry briefing session next Monday.
The event, which was to be held at the Royal International Convention Centre at the Brisbane Showgrounds, has been pushed back to an unspecified date.
“The Queensland Racing Review update event, originally scheduled for Monday, October 13 has been postponed until later this month,” a racing Queensland statement read.
“The Queensland Racing Review is a critical initiative shaping the future of Queensland’s racing industry — addressing key challenges, identifying opportunities for growth, and ensuring the industry remains sustainable and competitive.”
“The details of the event’s new date in the coming days.”
Precise details of why the event was delayed have not been forthcoming. The government has already met and briefed major stakeholders such as Racing Queensland and Brisbane Racing Club as to the likely outcomes.
