The Tasmanian government has begun recruiting for a new Racing Integrity Commissioner even before the legislation creating the role has passed parliament.
A new integrity structure for racing, replacing the largely dysfunctional current model, which has been undermined by a series of scandals and leadership turnover, is set to be approved by parliament next month.
Racing Minister Jane Howlett first put forward the Racing Regulation and Integrity Bill 2024 in May. The bill will make several key changes, including abolishing the Office Of Racing Integrity.
The reform has been long awaited after the Monteith Report suggested the changes in its findings from June 2022.
The bill will remove the director of Racing and Office of Racing Integrity, with the integrity and welfare functions to be split between a newly created Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner and Tasracing.
The new Racing Integrity Commissioner 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.
Howlett is eager to see timely progress to the new system and said recruitment of the independent statutory position was occurring in tandem with the draft legislation going before the Legislative Council.
An external recruitment agency has been engaged to fill the role.
“The industry has been calling out for these reforms and this role is central to delivering on our commitment to introduce a racing framework based on best practice, which delivers a contemporary, effective, and fit for purpose model for regulation and integrity,” Howlett said.
“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, these reforms also include $1.9 million in funding to progress the new integrity model, including establishing the Commissioner role.
"It will also 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.”
She said reform was essential for the future of the racing industry in Tasmania.
Bren O’Brien
“If the legislation is passed, we will be in the best position to implement the reforms in a timely manner for an industry that generates more than $208 million in economic activity for Tasmania and involves 6,400 people across the State,” she said.
“This recruitment will take some time to complete as it is important we find the most suitable and experienced individual to fill the role. It is anticipated this will be ongoing when the legislation is debated in August.”
The role will be designed to have comprehensive investigatory functions and gives the Commissioner the power to hold inquiries into systemic issues in racing. They can refer cases to Tasmania Police, the Integrity Commission and Tasracing.
“We are looking for an exceptional candidate who has significant experience in leading within a regulatory framework, including assessing complex integrity matters and conducting robust investigations,” Howlett said.
“Candidates must be able to demonstrate a commitment to ethical behaviour, integrity and professionalism in upholding high standards of conduct with a proven track record of leading system, capability and culture change.”
Under the proposed new system, Tasracing would be operationally responsible for integrity for all three codes of racing, with an integrity unit established within Tasracing. The unit will be led by a chief racing integrity officer and will be overseen by a racing integrity committee.
