Probity, integrity, animal welfare and governance are critically important in the racing industry which is why the Tasmanian Government is delivering the most significant reform in decades.
Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, today tabled the Racing Regulation and Integrity Bill 2024 and Racing Regulation and Integrity (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2024 in Parliament to strengthen all three codes of racing in Tasmania.
"This is the first step in delivering our 100 Day commitment, to provide the Tasmanian racing industry with a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose model for regulation and integrity," Minister Howlett said.
"This new legislation, which is evidence-based and meets industry best practice, incorporates the recommendations of the Monteith Review, and reflects the feedback received from stakeholders and the community through the consultation.
"Delivering on our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, we have introduced the Bills as soon as possible, demonstrating our strong support for this valuable industry which generates more than $208 million in economic activity and involves more than 6400 people across the State.
"The Bills will usher in a new era of integrity for the industry with the creation of the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, with powers to set best-practice integrity and animal welfare standards, supported by staff who have appropriate experience in animal welfare policy and regulatory management.
"We will also ensure Tasracing is appropriately resourced to be operationally responsible for all three codes of racing, including pre-race day and race day management, stewards and daily animal welfare."
Minister Howlett said the Tasmanian Government is a proud supporter of Tasmania's racing community and the passionate Tasmanians who are part of it.
"I want to rebuild trust and restore faith in racing across all three codes and see them thrive and that's why we have tabled these Bills as soon as we could," Minister Howlett said.
"This reform is the change that needs to happen so that Tasmanians have a racing industry they can be proud of."
