- The Crisafulli Government appoints new Racing Queensland Board
- The Board will oversee the implementation of the Crisafulli Government's industry reforms outlined in The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland Racing
- Matthew McGrath appointed as the new Chairperson
- The reforms aim to strengthen industry stability, bolster integrity, modernise infrastructure and support animal welfare outcomes.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered a modernised Racing Queensland Board to oversee vital reforms for Queensland's racing industry.
Six new board members, including the Chairperson have been appointed and bring a wealth of Racing industry experience and business acumen to the table including law, financial services, public relations and more.
The new Board Chair is Matthew McGrath who led the 2025 Queensland Racing Review and is well equipped to lead the delivery of sweeping reforms outlined in The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland Racing.
Mr McGrath also has extensive board experience as the former Chairman of the Australian Turf Club and a director of the Cronulla Sharks.
Joining Mr McGrath on the Board will be Kym Daly, who was also a member of the Racing Review Panel and has significant experience in Thoroughbred racing, delivering integrity services, training and consulting internationally.
Townsville-based legal professional and racehorse shareholder Michelle Morton has been appointed as the director to champion regional and country racing. Ms Morton is a passionate believer that racing is integral to the fabric of regional and rural Queensland towns and their economies.
Additional appointees are Gary Cunningham, the Honourable Jane Prentice and Sally Branson. Graham Quirk, Jodie Jones and Gary Heath will continue on the Board as the Thoroughbred, Harness and Greyhound racing industry members.
Members across the board have prior experience in regional and country racing through delivering integrity services in the regions, sitting on regional club committees and training or owning regionally based horses and greyhounds.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the members possessed the appropriate balance of experience to guide the industry.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for the future of Queensland Racing after a decade of inaction from the former Labor government," Minister Mander said.
"I am thrilled with the make-up of the Racing Queensland Board, and I am confident they will deliver reforms that will signal a new era for the industry.
"It was imperative we have a Board that continues to represent the three codes of racing, while adding directors that will champion both integrity and regional and country racing.
"Racing's impact on the state is now close to $2.5 billion per year and is responsible for around 14,500 full-time jobs for Queenslanders, so it is vital its governance model is effective and efficient to benefit the State."
