Tasmania’s troubled racing integrity structure has taken a major leap forward with the passage of legislation that will rebuild the previously flawed system.
The Racing Regulation and Integrity Bill 2024 and the Racing Regulation and Integrity (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2024 passed through the Tasmanian Upper House on Thursday paving the way for the changes.
The changes mean the end of the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI), with the integrity and welfare functions to be split between a newly created Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner and Tasracing.
The reform has been long awaited after a series of scandals hit all three racing codes over the past 18 months. It implements much of the changes suggested in the Monteith Report in its findings from June 2022.
The newly created role of Racing Integrity Commissioner has already been advertised. It will be appointed by the Governor, report directly to the Racing Minister, and have the power to set integrity and animal welfare standards for the racing industry.
Under the new system, Tasracing is operationally responsible for integrity for all three codes of racing, with an integrity unit established.
A chief racing integrity officer will lead the unit and will be overseen by a racing integrity committee.
Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, said the passage of the legislation was a milestone for the reform of racing integrity in the state.
Bren O’Brien
“This reform provides the framework to establish the new independent Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, with comprehensive oversight of the administration and regulation of the racing industry,” Howlett said.
“This legislation is evidence-based and meets industry best practice.”
Under the previous structure, ORI was funded through the Department of Natural Resources but Tasracing will now deliver day-to-day integrity with funding from the state government.
“We will ensure Tasracing is appropriately resourced to be operationally responsible for all three codes of racing, including pre-race day and race day management, stewards and daily animal welfare,” Howlett said.
“I want to rebuild trust and restore faith in racing across all three codes and see them thrive.”
Howlett, who returned to the racing minister’s role after the March state election, said the new laws set key planks for the future in place.
“This new legislation is an important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and the Tasmanian Government is a proud supporter of Tasmania’s racing community and the passionate Tasmanians who are a part of it,” she said.
