Following extensive consultation with the sector, the repeal Bill will transition motorsport from Government regulation to industry-led self-regulation, bringing NSW into line with every other Australian state and territory.
Motorsport organisations are already responsible for the licensing of competitors, establishing safety protocols, and sanctioning events, among other functions, in all states including NSW.
The reform will give the sector greater flexibility to grow participation, attract national and international events, support grassroots competition and create new opportunities for investment in motorsport infrastructure, whilst ensuring the industry can keep pace with national and international safety standards.
Industry-led training and accreditation programs will also help equip local workers with the skills needed to support a growing motorsport sector, creating new career pathways for young people in areas including motorsport mechanics, officiating and event logistics.
Motorsport is a major drawcard for regional NSW, bringing visitors, teams and media to communities across the state. Removing outdated regulatory barriers will encourage the industry to grow whilst eliminating duplicative oversight.
Industry-led regulation will also provide greater certainty for investment in motorsport infrastructure, while giving regional venues more flexibility to work with councils, tourism operators and industry to grow the sector.
The repeal of the Act will form a key pillar in the NSW Government’s Motorsport Strategy, which will commence an intensive period of final consultation prior to being finalised.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“NSW is home to some of Australia’s biggest motorsport events and has the largest participation base in the country.
“And while our events are world class, our 40-year-old regulatory framework does not support modern day motorsport.
“The fact of the matter is the Act is outdated and creates unnecessary and duplicative red tape for the motorsports sector. We are bringing NSW in line with modern, national and international standards.
“This is part of our broader commitment to develop a NSW Motorsport Strategy which will support the sector as it transitions to industry-led self-regulation and includes important initiatives to increase participation, improve access to motorsport facilities and manage the environmental impacts of the sport.”
Motorsport Australia CEO Josh Blanksby said:
“The proposed changes support a clearer pathway for competitors, volunteers and officials, while maintaining the standards that underpin the safe and sustainable delivery of our sport.”
“Motorsport should be accessible, simple and safe to participate in and Motorsport Australia supports the proposed changes to ensure this can occur.”
“The proposed reforms will help more Australians experience the benefits of motorsport participation through a more consistent national approach that reduces unnecessary barriers and helps grow community sport across the country.”
Executive Chairman and acting CEO Supercars Barclay Nettlefold said:
“Supercars welcomes the NSW Government’s decision to modernise the regulatory framework for motorsport in New South Wales. Safety remains at the heart of our sport, and we support an approach that maintains strong safety standards while reducing unnecessary barriers to participation and growth.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government and industry stakeholders to increase participation, support investment in facilities and drive the long-term growth of motorsport throughout New South Wales.”
Speedway Australia General Manager Matthew Casburn said:
“This change, if approved, will align motorsport regulation in NSW with the rest of the country. This consistency puts less strain on governing body resources and supports a more accessible and maintainable approach to speedway racing across Australia. Self-regulation will allow governing and organisational bodies to focus on the safe, accessible and inclusive delivery of motorsport across NSW, without being restricted by red tape. Resources will be better distributed within the sport, with each governing body able to meet the individual needs of tracks, racers, and associations.
“The proposed repeal allows for the flexibility needed to continue to run successful national and state-wide events, pushing the NSW jurisdiction of motorsport further into the spotlight. Speedway Australia safety standards will not be compromised however, as it is a requirement of insurance – separate to the Act – that these are upheld.”
“Speedway Australia supports the Bill and is confident of the positive change speedway in NSW will see as a result.”
