Improving Victorian Racing Governance And Integrity
Labor is strengthening integrity oversight and governance in Victoria’s racing industry. Legislation passed Parliament yesterday to bring together the functions and powers of the Racing Integrity Commissioner (RIC) and the Victorian Racing Integrity Board (VRIB). The office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner will be incorporated into the new Racing Integrity Commission Victoria – which will also take on the functions of the Victorian Racing Integrity Board .
It will create a simpler and more efficient integrity framework while also reducing duplication. There will be no reduction of integrity oversight of the thoroughbred, harness or greyhound racing industries. The changes are part of Labor’s focus on ensuring every dollar is spent carefully and delivers value for Victorians.
The legislation also transitions Greyhound Racing Victoria and Harness Racing Victoria to public companies limited by guarantee. It will give both organisations greater flexibility to respond to changes in the racing industry and bring their legal structures into line with Racing Victoria. The newly established Racing Integrity Commission Victoria will oversee the integrity functions of the three racing controlling bodies.
The Bill also sought to formally recognise Racing Victoria’s role as the controlling body for thoroughbred racing in Victoria, a role it has held since 2001. The Government was forced to support an Opposition amendment removing that component to secure the other critical integrity and governance reforms in the Bill. The Minister will now consider whether a broader review of thoroughbred governance is needed.
The Victorian racing industry contributes $5.5 billion to the state's economy every year and helps sustains 33,500 local full-time equivalent jobs. Almost half of this economic contribution is generated in regional Victoria, highlighting racing’s important role in communities across the state. Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines “The racing industry is one of the biggest economic drivers in Victoria and we want to make sure our integrity framework keeps pace with a modern racing industry.” “These reforms will strengthen racing integrity, reduce duplication and make sure our regulatory framework is working as efficiently and effectively as possible.” 260826 - Improving Victorian Racing Governance And Integrity.pdf PDF 352.84 KB (opens in a new window)