Incoming Turf Club chairman Richard O’Sullivan ‘galvanised’ to take role from Chief’s $12m recoup

Taking the reins of the Darwin Turf Club board, chairman Richard O’Sullivan has told the press what was “one of the galvanising reasons for me being where I am today”.

FORMER Darwin Turf Club chairman Brett Dixon has resigned from Thoroughbred Racing NT, with his replacement Richard O’Sullivan vowing to provide a “new direction” after months of turmoil.

But the board has left the door open to contesting the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption report into the club.

Mr O’Sullivan also sought to make amends with Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Racing Minister Natasha Fyles, after the government boycotted various Cup Carnival events earlier this year and threatened to recoup the $12m it gave to build the Turf Club’s grandstand.

“I’m very concerned about the threat of NT government cutting funding from the Darwin Turf Club – it’s one of the galvanising reasons for me being where I am today,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

He said the new board provided “blue skies” for the club to move forward, heralding the board’s 10 new members including five women.

Darwin Turf Club chairman Richard O'Sullivan said the threat of a $12m cut to funding galvanised him to take up the role. Picture: Thomas Morgan

“The role of the board going forward is to restore confidence within the racing industry, its participants and the sponsors, and we can’t neglect to mention the major sponsor of racing in the Northern Territory is the Northern Territory government.”

Mr O’Sullivan said contesting the ICAC report would be considered by the newly appointed board.

“The new board may or may not have an appetite to defend board conduct, but the ICAC finding is not just about the board – it’s about the club,” he said. “That’s something the new board needs to be appraised of and to make decisions around.”

When contacted by the NT News, former chair Brett Dixon confirmed he had departed Thoroughbred Racing NT.

“This morning I sent my letter of resignation to Thoroughbred Racing NT,” Mr Dixon said on Wednesday.

The former chairman also wished the new Darwin Turf Club board “all the best”, saying he respected the vote of the club’s members.

Jodie Waters has been elected vice chairwoman, one of five women representing half the board. Picture: Darwin High School.

The bombshell ICAC report made findings of misconduct from Mr Dixon, the DTCB and four other members of the public, including Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s former chief of staff Alf Leonardi.

A spokesman for Mr Gunner, who had previously called for the entire board to resign, said on Wednesday the Chief Minister welcomed the news of the new board.

“The Chief Minister made it clear that he did not want anyone with findings of corrupt conduct, misconduct or unsatisfactory conduct to remain on the Turf Club Board,” the spokesman said.

“This looks like a fresh start and we are happy to work with the new Board to make sure racing continues to attract people to the Territory and boost our economy.”

Mr Gunner said he still intended to recoup the $12m grant, saying it would “restore public confidence”.

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