Cover image courtesy of NSW Parliament
The Hon Stephen Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Sport
Dear Mr Kamper,
I have been alarmed at the very undemocratic and “unlabour” behaviour that has been used on an important issue under your watch as Minister for Sport. I am referring to the proposed sale of Rosehill racecourse.
You would be aware for the sale to proceed then the Members must agree to the sale. As a long time Australian Turf Club member, I can see the arguments for both sides. However the proposal from the ATC fails to provide members with full transparency, accurate information and overall strategy to make an informed decision. The ATC and its Chairman have only permitted one side of the argument to be presented. Their behaviour has been undemogratic.
The “Save Rosehill” group, that wants to present the opposing argument, has been prevented from doing so at every opportunity. Unlike the chairman and the ATC board they have been unable to have direct email contact with Members. Regularly the Chairman sends emails promoting the sale, but the “NO” case is never presented. Frustrated with what has been happening, the “ Save Rosehill” group tried to distribute leaflets at Saturday's Rosehill meeting only to be told it was not allowed.
The ATC is using club funds to cold call Members pushing a “once-in-a-generation opportunity “ and making sure that the message is the only one heard.
The ATC has the support of Tabcorp which owns Sky Racing. Sky Racing is the major television presenter for NSW racing and hence the major communicator. The “NO” case has never been presented or discussed. The television personalities have never discussed the issue.
Last Monday night, a well advertised hour long interview with Gai Waterhouse and Ray Thomas, was due to be aired. At the last moment the program was pulled and did not happen. Gai Waterhouse has said that in the program she presented the “NO” case and the program was pulled because the ATC didn’t want members to hear what she had to say.
I have been a lifelong supporter of the Labour Party and always believed that when voting on any issue both sides of the argument had the right to be heard. This is not happening with the ATC and the vote to sell Rosehill racecourse.
As the NSW Minister for Sport, I understand that you would be responsible for ensuring fair and democratic behaviour within sporting bodies when making important decisions about sport.
I would be most grateful if you could investigate my concerns and respond accordingly.
Yours faithfully,
ATC Member
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