‘Sh-t show’ erupts in parliament over Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding’s term

The Minns government has been forced to ditch a plan to extend Racing NSW Russell Balding’s term after a marathon overnight parliamentary sitting.

The Minns government has been forced to ditch a plan to extend Racing NSW Russell Balding’s term after the Coalition voted with the Greens and the Animal Justice Party to try to make the racing body subject to direction and control of the Minister.

It came after a tumultuous day in parliament which ended at almost 2am, which means Mr Balding’s tenure will end later this month. However, amendments placing more rules on the governance and oversight of the body will not go ahead.

Parliament’s Upper House descended into what multiple MPs described as a “sh-t show” just before midnight, when Labor was forced to vote against a bill which had been amended to impose more governance and oversight rules on the racing regulator.

The Coalition, led by Upper House Leader Damien Tudehope, voted with the Greens and Animal Justice to make Racing NSW subject to scrutiny from parliament and oversight by the Auditor General.

The amended bill passed the upper house 27 votes to 10.

Chairman of Racing NSW, Russell Balding. Picture: Toby Zerna

The vote came after furious lobbying. Thoroughbred Breeders NSW CEO Tom Reilly was in parliament trying to convince MPs to block Mr Balding’s appointment, sources said, and broadcaster Alan Jones was also believed to be making calls.

Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys was also meeting with Coalition MPs in a bid to convince them to change their mind.

Labor initially tried to oppose the amended bill but under an obscure technicality was forced to vote for the changes.

However, the legislation was ultimately shelved with Labor unwilling to impose more red tape on the racing body.

It came after hours of crisis meetings with Coalition MPs in a bid to convince Liberals and Nationals to vote against a plan to put more rules on Racing NSW.

With the legislation abandoned before it could be voted into law, Mr Balding will be forced to leave his role as Racing NSW chair later this month.

The Coalition’s amendments were being driven by Opposition Attorney-General spokesman Alister Henskens.

As The Daily Telegraph previously revealed, the Opposition was deeply divided over the issue when it came before Shadow Cabinet and the Coalition party room.

The Everest in 2023 was the vision implemented by Balding and Peter V’landys. Picture: Monique Harmer

Everest winner Think About It and Jockey Sam Clipperton. With the assistance of Balding it has become a pillar of NSW Racing

With parliament in chaos in the early hours of Friday, both sides were trying to claim a political win over the issue.

The entire process exposed deep divisions in the Coalition after MPs accused Liberal Leader Mark Speakman of “insanity’ for pursuing the amendments.

In moving to ditch the law changes, Racing Minister David Harris said Racing NSW’s success has been “undeniable” under Mr Balding’s tenure.

“It makes no sense to burden Racing NSW with these additional requirements and risk making it uncompetitive with racing jurisdictions to fix a problem that is not the subject of this legislation,” he said.

He said the Coalition’s amendments would “hinder” and “hamper” Racing NSW.

Kellyville MP Ray Williams, who staunchly opposed his own party on the amendments in parliament on Tuesday night, walked out of the debate in protest against the Coalition’s position.