It has been two months since Minister for Racing Jane Howlett announced a review into Tasmanian Racing – but there is still no Terms of Reference.
Shadow Minister for Racing Dean Winter said Melbourne Cup Day presented the perfect opportunity for Ms Howlett to finally commit to a full review of the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI) and TasRacing.
Mr Winter said Ms Howlett should explain whether her review will consider key issues including:
- The appointment of Christopher Knight to the Office of Racing Integrity on August 2020 while suspended from Tasmania Police
- The conduct of former director of Racing Integrity Tony Latham including his involvement with the Tasmania Cup saga
- Cultural and integrity matters raised by ORI staff
- The competency of TasRacing to safely conduct race meetings, particularly following cancelled gallops meetings at Mowbray and Elwick
Mr Winter said Ms Howlett must commit to including these important matters in the review.
“Racing participants need to have confidence in its governing bodies, but there is no confidence in the Office of Racing Integrity,” Mr Winter said.
“It is not good enough just to review the Racing Regulation Act, or the structures of ORI.
“The Minister should release the terms of reference for the review and they must be broad enough for all allegations to be properly investigated.
“Serious allegations of misconduct have been levelled at ORI – the only person served by limiting the investigation into ORI is the Minister.
“It is critical for the industry that Elwick is safe and available for racing over the coming months. We can’t afford the same mistakes as last year.”
Dean Winter MP
Shadow Minister for Racing
