Queensland’s racing industry will have a new independent appeals panel after the Palaszczuk Government today passed reforms to further fortify the integrity of the state’s $1.9 billion racing industry.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said the new Racing Appeals Panel would replace current internal reviews made by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) and the majority of Queensland Civil Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) appeals relating to racing stewards’ decisions under the Rules of Racing.
“Thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s landmark racing integrity reforms of 2016, Queensland already has the best animal welfare and racing integrity body in the nation, and it will now be bolstered by a strong independent appeals body,” Ms Grace said.
“The new Racing Appeals Panel will provide a quick and accessible mechanism to review stewards’ decisions by a specialist body, with limited grounds for further review.
“Racing stewards are employed by QRIC and are similar to referees in the NRL, and the Racing Appeals Panel will act in a similar way to the NRL judiciary, taking over a function that is currently served by QRIC.
“This means appeals on decisions made by QRIC-employed stewards will be made to an independent Panel, rather than to QRIC itself.
“Consultation highlighted the need for an appeals panel independent of QRIC and we have delivered a new, fair and transparent model that is similar to other jurisdictions, including New South Wales and Victoria.”
Ms Grace said establishing the Panel was among a number of key changes to the Racing Integrity Act 2016 to deliver a review system that was fit-for-purpose for the Queensland racing industry.
“The Palaszczuk Government has worked closely with the racing industry for almost two years to address concerns and close loopholes associated with the review process,” Ms Grace said.
“A process which can currently be lengthy and drawn-out for appeals of QRIC-imposed sanctions like suspensions when they are appealed to QCAT.
“With the reforms now passed and due to take effect in coming months, establishing the Panel will be a priority and the Palaszczuk Government will conduct a rigorous recruitment process to ensure the best possible people are appointed.”
Other changes to the review process are:
- Applications for review must be lodged within three business days
- The majority of decisions will be reviewed within seven business days
- In more serious cases, the Panel will finalise its review within 20 business days.
- Appeals to QCAT can only be made where the penalty imposed by the stewards is three months or more, and will be limited to the severity of the penalty.
- Applications for stays to QCAT will not be permitted where an offence has been deemed to be a serious matter relating to animal welfare, human safety or the integrity of the racing industry.
