Search for new Racing NSW chair after botched vote by Libs and Nats ends Russell Balding’s term
The hunt for a new chair for Racing NSW has officially begun after a botched vote by the Liberals and Nationals saw a bid to extend current chairman Russell Balding’s term scrapped.
NSW
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The hunt for a new chair for Racing NSW has officially begun after a botched vote by the Liberals and Nationals saw a bid to extend current chairman Russell Balding’s term scrapped.
It comes as Racing NSW’s anti competitive behaviour case that was led by Mr Balding against Racing Victoria returns to the Supreme Court today.
The NSW Government had sought to extend Mr Balding’s term by two years but a “poison pill” of amendments and untenable oversights from the Coalition saw the bill to extend Mr Balding’s term scrapped.
NSW Racing Minister David Harris said Mr Balding’s “outstanding” 12 years on the board and seven as chairman had reinvigorated racing in NSW with the introduction of new races including The Everest and The Golden Eagle.
“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,” he said.
“His legacy is a revitalised racing industry in NSW that this Government will continue to support.”
Mr Harris said public expressions of interest were about to open with the remaining seven board members also able to apply.
Mr Balding’s term officially ends on December 18. In the meantime deputy chair Dr Saranne Cooke has been reappointed for a further two years and will preside at meetings until a new chair is appointed.
“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,” Mr Harris said.
Mr Harris said a selection panel would be established in accordance with the current legislation and a list of candidates would be prepared “based on merit and relevant experience”.
Whoever gets the job will be expected to pick up the battle Mr Balding launched against Racing Victoria in the Supreme Court after it was discovered the Victorians were plotting with the other states to form a breakaway national racing body that excluded NSW.
In an open letter to industry participants Mr Balding said the concerted media campaign that accompanied the plot “has always been about protecting the Victorian racing industry.”
The case returns to the Supreme Court today with documents outlining the dirty tricks employed by Racing Victoria expected to be tendered to the court.
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