Racing Minister Natasha Fyles to skip Darwin Cup due to Turf Club grandstand scandal
Racing Minister Natasha Fyles has refused to attend the looming Darwin Cup after the bombshell ICAC report into the $12m Darwin Turf Club grandstand saga.
Northern Territory
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RACING and Tourism Minister Natasha Fyles has been scratched from appearing at the Darwin Cup in protest at the board remaining in place.
The drastic snub comes despite interim chairman Richard O’Sullivan recently promising to spill the entire Darwin Turf Club Board on August 9.
Ms Fyles has repeatedly said over recent weeks she would not attend the biggest event on the Darwin racing calendar, claiming the board’s prior conduct warranted the no-show.
“As I’ve said publicly, I won’t attend events at the Darwin Turf Club until we see the full resignation of board members and a genuine approach from the club to make amends for their conduct,” she told the NT News yesterday.
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The turf club has been embroiled in controversy since the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption released a report into the board’s handing of the $12m grandstand tender process.
Brett Dixon has stepped away from his position as chairman but has refused to resign.
Darwin Turf Club chief executive Brad Morgan refused to be drawn on whether Ms Fyles should reconsider her decision given moves to restore integrity to the organisation.
“The Racing Minister is entitled to make decisions about the events that she does and doesn’t attend,” Mr Morgan said.
“Under difficult circumstances, our focus remains wholly on hosting another fantastic Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival.”
Following the bombshell ICAC report, Chief Minister Michael Gunner – who has also said he will not attend any race days despite the course being in his electorate – has demanded the resignation of the entire board.
Mr Gunner said he would pass legislation to sack the board if members’ resignations weren’t forthcoming.
All but three board members have so far resigned; however, all positions will become vacant in next month’s spill.
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