The Andrews Labor Government is providing opportunities for the Victorian racing industry to upskill and build qualifications to ensure it continues to deliver the highest possible standards of integrity across all three codes of racing.
The Labor Government’s Victorian Racing Industry Fund will provide $280,000 to help fund the development and delivery of training for 80 racing industry participants over the next two years.
Racing Victoria and Harness Racing Victoria will each contribute almost $100,000, and Greyhound Racing Victoria will contribute a further $82,000 to the initiative.
The Graduate Certificate in Sport Integrity and the Vocational Education Package are two programs that have been developed by Victoria University in consultation with the Victorian Racing Integrity Board and the Victorian racing industry.
The Graduate Certificate is targeted at stewards and integrity officials employed within the thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing industries. It will include training on investigations and evidence gathering as well as integrity and ethics, data management and strategic planning.
The Vocational Education Package is a short course package for professionals working in the racing industry and includes units on work health and safety, conflict management, facilitating responsible behaviour, effective collaboration, racing operations and animal welfare.
The Victorian racing industry is a significant contributor to the state, adding $4.7 billion annually in economic activity and providing more than 35,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
As stated by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
“The targeted training will provide racing integrity officials with the resources and skills required to ensure the Victorian racing industry continues to set the standard.”
“This investment will help ensure the highest levels of integrity are maintained in Victorian racing.”
As stated by Elizabeth Clarke AM, Victorian Racing Integrity Board
“Integrity is a pivotal element when it comes to ensuring success in the racing industry, this training will ensure it is prioritized and safeguarded for years to come.”
“Ensuring staff, stewards and integrity officials can continually build expertise in this area through training and education will reinforce and strengthen the industry’s commitment to integrity.”
As stated by Wade Noonan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Victoria University
“Victoria University is a national leader in sports integrity and welcomes the opportunity to deliver upskilling programs for the racing sector with valuable support from the Victorian Government.“
