Tony Perrett backs racing integrity bill

A Gympie LNP MP has illustrated the importance of the Racing Integrity Amendment Bill by highlighting the success and importance of the local Turf Club in his own community.

MP Tony Perrett has backed a racing integrity bill amid Gympie race day cancellations

Gympie MP Tony Perrett has called for the restoration of integrity and confidence in the Qld racing industry during debate on the Racing Integrity Amendment Bill in Parliament.

Mr Perrett used the successful and popular Gympie race days to illustrate the importance of the industry to many communities during the debate on October 25, 2022.

Following the first race day in 1868, Gympie’s racing calendar had grown to what it was today with up to nine race days a year at the region’s “top-class facilities”, he said.

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Gympie had a history of producing top-notch jockeys and horses - 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare had two Gympie co-owners, and 1999 winner Rogan Josh was part owned by St Patrick’s teacher Wendy Green.

Covid and flooding had heavily impacted the track and the Turf Club in the past two years, Mr Perrett said.

“Our local racing industry generates economic activity in the racing and horse management industry, draws visitors and tourists, provides a vital social outlet, supports jobs, and provides cash flow for community groups,” he said.

The Racing Integrity Amendment Bill aims to improve steward review practices including the establishment of an independent review panel, replacing internal and external reviews, guaranteeing they are completed within an acceptable time frame, and improving transparency by publishing reports online.

Stewards play a vital role in the racing industry, including checking ownership credentials, stable returns, overseeing track work, conducting stable inspections and swabbing, Mr Perrett said.

“Another change aims to reduce serious welfare, human safety or integrity risks from being stayed pending the hearing of an appeal by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal,” he said.

Mr Perrett said he had concerns on the mismanagement and lack of action on key issues.

“The restoration of integrity and confidence in the racing industry is essential to ensuring a vibrant and healthy racing industry.

“We have had unprecedented strikes, animal welfare scandals, job losses in the wagering business, Queensland’s premier racetrack out of business for years, $14 million spent on the Eagle Farm track and still trainers are concerned about its condition, a major owner and breeder withdrawing from Queensland racing, and issues with integrity and safety.

Originally published as Tony Perrett backs racing integrity bill