The NSW Government will soon begin a public expression of interest process for the appointment of a new Racing NSW chair and member to replace outgoing Chairman Russell Balding AO.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris has also confirmed that Dr Saranne Cooke has been reappointed as Deputy Chair for a further 2 years.
Racing NSW will continue to make decisions and function as it normally would during the absence of an appointed chair, with a quorum still in place and the deputy chair presiding at Racing NSW meetings.
“The reappointment of Dr Cooke will ensure the board can continue to make decisions and operate normally while the selection process for a new chair is underway,” Minister Harris said.
The Act provides that Racing NSW consists of the CEO and 7 other members appointed by the minister from time to time.
Minister Harris said the selection process to fill the chair’s role, as well as the member vacancy created by the end of Mr Balding’s tenure, will begin this month.
“This will include the establishment of a selection panel in accordance with the legislation, with a publicly advertised call for expressions of interest,” Minister Harris said.
“The role of the selection panel is to prepare and provide me with a list of candidates based on merit and relevant experience.”
Minister Harris thanked Mr Balding whose term ends on 18 December, for his service on the Racing NSW Board for 12 years including the past 7 as chair.
“The board, led by Mr Balding, has successfully guided the industry and helped position NSW as the leading racing state, with new marquee events such as The Everest, a revitalised Spring Carnival and record prize money to participants.
“I want to thank Mr Balding for his outstanding contribution as Chair of Racing NSW. His legacy is a revitalised racing industry in NSW that this government will continue to support.”
Details about the expression of interest process will be available soon on the Office of Racing website.
