The Finocchiaro CLP Government has moved quickly to safeguard the integrity of the Northern Territory's thoroughbred racing industry, with the Racing and Wagering Amendment Bill 2025 passed in Parliament today.
When the Racing and Wagering Act 2024 came into effect on 1 July 2024, Labor failed to formally appoint Thoroughbred Racing NT (TRNT) as the Race Control Body (RCB) under the new legislation.
This oversight left all decisions made by TRNT Stewards - including disciplinary rulings, race scheduling, and licensing - legally vulnerable.
Minister for Racing Marie-Clare Boothby said the CLP acted quickly to secure the industry's future.
"As soon as I became aware of the issue, I gazetted TRNT as the RCB on 4 April 2025, and today we've passed legislation to retrospectively validate TRNT decisions made between 1 July 2024 and 4 April 2025," said Ms Boothby.
"This is about protecting the day-to-day operations of an industry that supports hundreds of jobs, drives tourism, and contributes more than $120 million a year to the Territory economy."
The Bill ensures that four stewards' inquiries conducted since 1 July 2024 remain legally valid. One of those decisions is currently under Supreme Court review, with proceedings stayed pending the passage of this legislation.
Since forming government, the CLP has reinstated a dedicated Racing Minister - recognising that racing is not just a sport, but a major employer, a key driver of tourism, and a proud part of the Territory way of life.
"Racing plays a central role in our plan to rebuild the economy and restore our unique Territory lifestyle. That's why we're acting - to deliver action, certainty and security for all Territorians," said Ms Boothby.
The Racing and Wagering Amendment Bill 2025 passed during the July sittings to ensure continuity and prevent further disruption to the NT racing sector.
