Political pressure grows on NSW racing minister over release of Hazzard review

With key racing participants demanding the release of the Hazzard review, the political implications of reform in the New South Wales racing industry will become clearer when racing minister David Harris fronts a budget estimates hearing on Wednesday.

With only seven months until the 2027 state election, the NSW Labor government is risking the issues surrounding the review, and the reforms it may recommend, becoming a significant political challenge.

Former NSW health minister Brad Hazzard has completed the most significant review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act in New South Wales since its establishment in 1996 and handed it to Harris to consider last month.

A letter signed by highly influential racing industry figures such as Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse, businessman Ron Finemore and Arrowfield chairman John Messara, has been sent to Harris asking for the report to be released.

The co-signed letter said the immediate release of the Hazzard report for public discussion was crucial, as it would allow stakeholder scrutiny before any changes were legislated.

“It is clear to us that the Act must ensure Racing NSW is properly accountable for its decisions, both to the NSW Government and to the Racing Industry it serves,” the letter said.

“Releasing the report now will allow stakeholders to provide informed views before any legislative changes are finalised.”

“There is no justification for withholding the report while Cabinet considers its response. The report and the government’s response are separate matters, and the industry should be able to see the findings of an Independent Review commissioned by the current Government following a unanimous recommendation of the Select Committee.”

“The review process should begin with the immediate release of Mr Hazzard’s report.”

Among the key changes could be a move to split the functions of Racing NSW, particularly the powers that body holds when it comes to both commercial and regulatory matters.

Change advocates, including the participant-led Racing Reform Group, are seeking other governance changes to make Racing NSW more accountable to government.

The details of the Hazzard review are likely to be front and centre when Harris fronts the Upper House’s Budget Estimates on Wednesday.

The issues within the NSW racing industry have proven useful political fodder for both the opposition and the crossbench since the government led by Chris Minns took power in 2023.

The Select Committee inquiry into the proposed sale of Rosehill racecourse raised a host of concerns about the way the NSW racing industry was being governed, and it was those concerns which led to the establishment of the Hazzard review by Harris last year.

While the scope didn’t include industry funding, or Racing NSW’s role as a body corporate that is independent of government, the process has sparked hopes of significant reforms.  

It is understood that the NSW opposition has taken an even more hands-on approach to the ongoing concerns raised by racing industry participants as the political temperature ramps up ahead of next year’s election. Harris has previously said that the Minns government would look to act on any immediate recommendations of the Hazzard review, but other reforms may have to wait until after the state election on March 13.