Minister cantering away from Racing Transparency

Tasmanian Labor

The Size and Scope of the Tasmanian Racing Industry report released by Minister Jane Howlett today shows how much is at risk due to the serious issues with racing integrity in Tasmania.

Shadow Minister for Racing, Dean Winter, said Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, must commit to a full review of the Office of Racing Integrity and the broader industry.

What we know:

  • Minister Jane Howlett was unable to answer questions about racing integrity during racing estimates hearings, preferring to deflect to her Deputy Secretary;
  • A review into the Racing Act was announced on 31 August, before it was expanded to look into the functions of TasRacing and the Office of Racing Integrity two days later, following pressure from Labor and racing clubs. However, no terms of reference have been released;
  • Estimates heard that the CEO of TasRacing, Paul Eriksson, told racing participants that TasRacing would not be part of the review; at odds with the Minister’s statements; and
  • Former Director of Racing Integrity, Tony Latham, has now been removed from his role and is being investigated for his conduct

“Today’s report just shows how much is at stake,” Mr Winter said.

“Racing participants need to have confidence in its governing bodies, but there is no confidence in the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI).

“It is not good enough to only review the Racing Regulation Act, or the structures of ORI.

“The Minister should release the terms of reference from the review, and they must be broad enough for all allegations and concerns to be considered.

“Serious allegations of misconduct have been levelled at the ORI. The only person served by limiting the investigation into the ORI, is the Minister.

“The Minister seems more worried about protecting herself than getting to the bottom of what has occurred in the Office of Racing Integrity.”

Dean Winter MP

Shadow Racing Minister

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