New South Wales Racing Minister David Harris has established a selection panel and called for expressions of interest for members of the Racing NSW board, with two roles to be filled by the end of 2024.
The terms of Garry Charny and Michael Crismale are set to expire on December 19 this year, with a requirement that those vacancies be filled.
Both men can have their terms extended if required. However, the Racing Minister has established a selection committee to assess suitable candidates.
It is not known if it is the same selection committee which chose current chair, Dr Saranne Cooke, earlier this year and also appointed George Souris as deputy chairman in April. His term on the board was extended by the committee for another four years.
“The selection panel appointed to undertake the selection process will consider EOIs based on merit, taking into account a candidate’s abilities, qualifications, experience and personal attributes relevant to the performance of the duties of membership of Racing NSW,” a NSW government statement said.
“EOIs are particularly welcome from candidates who possess experience across a range of fields and have an appreciation of the issues affecting the thoroughbred racing industry.
“Competitive candidates will be required to complete a comprehensive probity assessment to be eligible for appointment and should also familiarise themselves with the requirements of the Racing NSW Board Code of Conduct.”
Current board members Michael Crismale and Garry Charny. (Photo: Racing NSW)
Racing NSW members are eligible for a remuneration package of $75,616, plus ‘reasonable out-of-pocket expenses’.
Crismale joined the Racing NSW board in January 2019, while Charny was appointed in December 2022.
The EOI notification says the New South Wales Government welcomes EOIs from candidates with diverse backgrounds, in particular female candidates.
Cooke is currently the only woman on the eight-person Racing NSW board, which includes CEO Peter V’landys and seven other members selected by the Racing Minister.
Bren O’Brien
The EOI document highlights that Section 6 of the Thoroughbred Racing Act provides that a person is not eligible to be an appointed member of Racing NSW if the person:
- is currently, or during the previous 12 months has been, an employee of a race club, racing association or eligible industry body, or
- is currently, or during the previous 12 months has been, a member of the governing body of a race club, racing association or eligible industry body,
‘Industry bodies’ include Provincial Racing Association of NSW, Racing NSW Country, NSW Jockeys’ Association, NSW Trainers’ Association, Thoroughbred Breeders NSW, NSW Racehorse Owners’ Association and Unions NSW.
Also ineligible is anyone who:
- holds a licence issued by Racing NSW or by a racing association, or
- is registered by or with Greyhound Racing NSW or Harness Racing NSW, or
- is currently, or during the previous 10 years has been, warned off, disqualified or named on the Forfeits List under the Australian Rules of Racing, or
- during the previous 10 years has been convicted in New South Wales of an offence that is punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or more, or convicted elsewhere than in New South Wales of an offence that, if committed in New South Wales, would be an offence so punishable, or
- is an undischarged bankrupt or is taking advantage of the laws in force for the time being relating to bankruptcy, or
- is a mentally incapacitated person, or
- is a member of the Selection Panel at the time the Selection Panel makes its recommendation for the appointment concerned.
The appointments are subject to government probity checks, while any entitlement of a member to vote as a member of a race club or of an eligible industry body is suspended.
Closing date for EOIs is 10am Tuesday, October 8.
