Tasmanian Racing needs a thorough review. Minister Jane Howlett's Terms of Reference mean it will get nothing of the sort.
Shadow Racing Minister, Dean Winter, said the Terms of Reference released by the Minister are designed to keep integrity issues within the industry from being investigated.
"There are very serious allegations about how the Office of Racing Integrity has managed a number of matters relating to its functions over the past 18 months," Mr Winter said.
"Industry participants are crying out for these issues to be properly dealt with. Yet, we now know they won't even be investigated."
Mr Winter said Ms Howlett has deliberately designed her review so that it cannot investigate:
- The appointment of Christopher Knight to the Office of Racing Integrity on August 2020 while suspended from Tasmania Police
- The conduct of former director of Racing Integrity Tony Latham including his involvement with the Tasmania Cup saga
- Cultural and integrity matters raised by ORI staff
- The competency of TasRacing to safely conduct race meetings, particularly following cancelled gallops meetings at Mowbray and Elwick
Mr Winter said Ms Howlett must commit to including these important matters in the review.
"Racing participants need to have confidence in its governing bodies, but there is no confidence in the Office of Racing Integrity.
"It is not good enough just to review the Racing Regulation Act, or the structures of ORI.
"Serious allegations of misconduct have been levelled at ORI - the only person served by limiting the investigation into ORI is the Minister."
Dean Winter MP
Shadow Racing Minister
