Pressure mounts to expand Hazzard Review, as Minister put on notice by petition

A petition signed by 782 thoroughbred industry participants asking for the Hazzard Review to be expanded into the NSW industry’s funding model has been submitted to parliament by Shadow Minister for Racing Dave Layzell.

While submissions to the Hazzard Review, which is looking at the effectiveness of the Thoroughbred Racing Act, closed in December, participants, led by the Racing Reform Group (RRG), have sought to have its remit expanded to include consideration of the racing funding model and the relationship between Racing NSW and the government.

Layzell, who as well as being the Shadow Racing Minister, is also the Member of Upper Hunter, submitted the petition, which closed on April 24, last Thursday, on behalf of its petitioner, Brian Nutt, who is the secretary of the RRG.

Under the rules of parliament, Racing Minister David Harris must give a formal response to the petition by June 9, or within 35 days after it was first submitted to the Legislative Assembly.

RRG and others in the thoroughbred industry have campaigned for the review, being undertaken by former health minister Brad Hazzard, to be expanded, after the funding and Racing NSW aspects were left out of the scope of the original review announced by Harris last August.

“The undersigned petitioners believe the Thoroughbred industry in New South Wales plays an important role in the economic, social and cultural landscape, creating almost 28,000 full-time jobs,” the petition said.

“A recent Parliamentary inquiry recommended a broad review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act, which establishes the industry regulator as Racing NSW.

“The terms of reference for the review, announced by the government in August, specifically exclude consideration of the funding model of racing and the relationship between Racing NSW and the government.

“We believe these are vital issues that need to be considered for any meaningful reform of the New South Wales racing industry if it is to secure the industry’s future for generations to come.”

Hazzard was initially expected to deliver his findings by April, but the complexity of the review has seen that timeline extended until June 30, according to details of his contract listed on the Buy NSW website.

The initial cost of the consultancy was $268,840 and that was expected to end by April 3, but was extended by nearly three months on March 30, with no additional costs included.

Depending on Harris’ response to the petition, it may be that Hazzard’s review could be further extended.

The Racing Minister has not guaranteed that any recommendations of the Hazzard review will be implemented in this parliament.  

“If possible,” Harris said in February when asked whether he was committed to legislating approved recommendations before NSW voters go to the polls on March 13, 2027.

“But there’s a legislative schedule, and it’s whether or not we can fit it into that schedule.”