Crossbenchers to oppose legislation to extend Racing NSW chair’s term

Legislation to allow Racing NSW Chairman Russell Balding to continue his term until 2025 will be introduced to parliament on Tuesday.

A group of parliamentary crossbenchers are threatening to oppose a bid to extend Racing NSW Chairman Russell Balding’s term, but the government's push to give Mr Balding the reins for two more years is still looking likely to pass with significant support within the Coalition.

Legislation to allow Mr Balding to continue as Racing NSW chair until 2025 will be introduced to parliament on Tuesday, and be voted on next week.

Mr Balding, whose appointment has already been extended twice by the former Coalition government, has overseen a massive upswing in NSW racing by backing iconic innovations like The Everest and The Golden Eagle.

Proponents of the extension, including Premier Chris Minns, argue that giving Mr Balding two more years is necessary for stability in Racing NSW in the face of sustained attacks, including from Victorian racing officials.
Six of seven racing stakeholder groups have petitioned the government to extend Mr Balding’s term.

Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding. Picture: Toby Zerna

However, the bid to give Mr Balding another two years has been met with aggressive campaigning, most recently by crossbenchers including Sydney MP Alex Greenwich.

Mr Greenwich said it was a “failure of proper succession planning” to “accept that there is only one person in the world who can do the role of the chair of Racing NSW”.

Breeders have also criticised the Minns government over its plans to extend Mr Balding’s term.

Mr Balding has supported innovations like The Everest which has revitalised the spring racing calendar.

Businesswoman and Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page was also critical of a lack of succession planning, calling for more turnover on the Racing NSW board.

Ms Page said the average age of the Racing NSW board was in the late sixties and young blood was needed to refresh the thinking.

“I look at the people sitting around the board and we need some young people coming through so that they are part of the future.

Racing Minister David Harris. Picture: NCA NewsWire

“We need that injection of younger ones in our industry having a say in the future. Are we that out of touch that people cannot see this is the right thing to do?”

Liberal Leader Mark Speakman has refused to reveal which way the Coalition will vote on the legislation.

However, former Minister Anthony Roberts said it was a “no-brainer” to give Mr Balding another two years.

Racing Minister David Harris said Mr Balding has, with his team, “revitalised racing in NSW”.

“Racing NSW is in the middle of a period of success and the current board is doing a very strong job.”

Originally published as Crossbenchers to oppose legislation to extend Racing NSW chair’s term