Written by Kit Gow
Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
The New South Wales government has moved to the next stage of their independent review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act of 1996, and have made a call for submissions from industry stakeholders. In a press release on Tuesday morning, the government encouraged “anyone interested in the industry” to make submissions before the cut-off date of November 24.
Led by former Minister the Hon Brad Hazzard, the review will determine whether the Act, as per the press release, “remains appropriate to ensure the integrity and proper regulation of thoroughbred racing in NSW and to support the industry’s development and sustainability”.
It will also review “whether the framework promotes integrity, transparency, and animal and jockey welfare”. Hazzard’s role in the review was announced in early August, after his appointment by the Minister for Gaming and Racing, the Hon David Harris.
Hon Brad Hazzard | Image courtesy of ACA NSW
Aside from submissions from the broader community, Hazzard will be conducting consultations sessions with key industry stakeholders, including Racing New South Wales themselves, as well as owners, breeders, jockeys, and trainers across all levels of racing in the state. In addition, the review panel will be following up some submissions made to the review if more information is desired.
A Discussion Paper has been released in relation to the submission process, which outlines the purpose of the review, the purpose of the original act, and relevant background to inform community submissions. It outlines Racing New South Wales’ position as a regulatory body in the state’s racing industry, and the Act’s role in governing the principal racing authority’s activities.
The paper further defines what Racing NSW’s powers are, and the requirement for them to consult with the Racing Industry Consultation Group and relevant industry stakeholders when making decisions and setting standards in the industry. It also stresses the importance of a strong consultation framework to ensure that industry participants have a meaningful voice in how they are governed.
Each section of the discussion paper includes a series of target questions in order to guide the content of written submissions.
Written submissions can be made via the above link, by email, or by post, with a closing date of 5pm on November 24. There is also the option to complete a survey instead. Consultations will stretch into December, as per the discussion paper, and the final report of the review is expected to be delivered in 2026 at a date yet to be determined.
