Independent NSW MP Mark Latham will face a Racing NSW stewards' hearing over his heated clash with Australian Turf Club senior executive Steve McMahon.
Latham, who led criticism of Racing NSW and the ATC during the Rosehill parliamentary inquiry, was initially handed a 12-month good behaviour bond by the ATC over the run-in with McMahon, the ATC’s head of corporate affairs and government relations.
The confrontation occurred at a Rosehill race meeting in April.
Racing NSW has continued to investigate the matter, with the assistance of former Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission chief executive and Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Michael Phelan.
Latham was informed by Racing NSW’s operations manager Michael Cleaver on Monday that he was to front a hearing, having been charged over the confrontation with McMahon.
Latham posted details of the correspondence on social media, where he also confirmed he would face the Racing NSW stewards on September 2. As a registered owner, could face a range of sanctions, anything from a caution to a warning off.
The ATC hearing in April said Latham had agreed to several conditions, including that he not make public comments, including on social media, “that disparage ATC operations pertaining to staff”.
“If found guilty of any breach of these conditions during the next 12 months, Mr Latham will receive a 12-month suspension, without further warning,” the ATC said.
He was also required to remain a financial member of the club for the next 12 months.
However, Latham revealed in July that he had handed in his ATC membership.
The one-time federal Labor leader turned One Nation and then Independent MP has been at the centre of a host of lurid headlines over the past few months.
His former partner has sought a private apprehended violence order against Latham. Graphic details of the pair’s sex life, including correspondence from the floor of parliament, appeared in the media.
In June, Premier Chris Minns referred to Latham as “one of the most bigoted MPs in the country” in parliament.
Latham also recently escaped parliamentary censure after being accused of sharing confidential government information.
In his position as an Upper House MP, Latham has led the charge for greater accountability of Racing NSW and was one of the main critics of the plan to sell off Rosehill racecourse.
Latham and Peter V’landys had a series of terse exchanges when the Racing NSW chief executive appeared at a Select Committee hearing in August last year.
