New integrity boss Shane Gillard reveals his vision for QRIC

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission hasn’t won over many participants since its inception but new commissioner Shane Gillard has pledged to make changes.

New Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner Shane Gillard. Picture: supplied.

New Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner Shane Gillard has laid down his vision for the future of the controversial body in his first interview since being appointed to the high-powered role.

Queensland’s racing industry has often been at loggerheads with QRIC and the framework it operates under since QRIC was established in 2016 following the greyhound live baiting scandal.

During QRIC’s tenure, top trainer Rob Heathcote and a group of other trainers at one stage insisted QRIC wasn’t doing enough to stop cheating and doping and there have also been a string of high-profile flops in cases being prosecuted.

Gillard, formerly the general manager of Racing Victoria’s Greyhound Integrity Unit, insists he wants QRIC to be on the same team as the rest of Queensland’s racing industry and has pledged to listen to participants and be visible and accountable.

“The key for QRIC is to be a part of the industry, not to be a bolt-on,” Gillard, who was appointed in December, told News Corp.

“The thing I’d like to see and to be held to account for in the next 12-18 months is to convert QRIC into an industry body so it’s absolutely part of the industry.

“I’d like to pursue the idea of developing forums that enable the sharing of information, which includes identifying key personnel in industry organisations and understanding the key points of escalation.

“Everyone in the Queensland racing industry shares a common interest as we all work towards ensuring the highest level of animal care, sound integrity, safety, strong industry growth and sustainability.

New QRIC boss Shane Gillard with Queensland’s chief steward Peter Chadwick. Picture: Supplied

“It’s about aligning everyone with those five objectives, always having them on the table so we all understand what is important.

“You will see me out and about and trying to meet as many people as I can and letting people know that I’m approachable and happy to have a chat about anything.

“I’m not going to say that I’ve got all the answers, but certainly I will listen.”

Gillard says he is “not one to look in the rearview mirror” but hinted at some changes to QRIC which could “play out within the next three or four months”.

“In terms of internal stuff there is a bit of work to do in any organisation you walk into, especially when you have new leadership,” Gillard said.

“The challenge for us is to be as good as we can as quick as we can.

“I want to make it easy to do business with QRIC and a part of that will be streamlining some internal processes.”

Asked directly about Ben Currie’s failed recent bids to return to the industry after the former top trainer’s ban had expired, Gillard refused to be drawn.

“I could not comment on any of that at this point in time, there are a couple of matters afoot that sit in QCAT (The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal),” he said.

Shane Gillard says he will listen to participants. Picture: Supplied

Gillard says he has always been a fan of the Queensland racing integrity model, claiming the operating model which separates the integrity functions of racing from the commercial aspects is “by far the best in the country.”

He strongly supports the recent announcement from Queensland Racing Minister Grace Grace which will see the establishment of a new independent Racing Appeals Panel.

Queensland’s farcical racing appeals system is being scrapped in favour of an independent panel which will replicate that of New South Wales and Victoria.

Last October, News Corp recently revealed 69 cases were backlogged at QCAT, many for a number of years, however there is hope the new Racing Appeals Panel will be able to deal with matters in a number of days, rather than years.

“The recent announcement of the change to the disciplinary structures is a massive boost for the industry, people have been screaming out for that for at least three or four years,” Gillard said.

Originally published as New integrity boss Shane Gillard reveals his vision for QRIC