The Tasmanian Government has delivered on its strong plan for the biggest reforms to the racing industry in decades.
Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, said 2025 will usher in a new integrity model, codes of practice and training programs which are part of the Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
"Since the 2024 election we have moved to introduce reforms that will restore faith and rebuild trust across all three codes of Tasmania's racing industry," Minister Howlett said.
"This includes the appointment of the State's first Racing Integrity Commissioner, Sean Carroll, who started in the job this week.
"In November we confirmed the appointment of four people to the new Racing Integrity Committee, which will be chaired by international legal practitioner Regina Weiss.
The Racing Regulation and Integrity Act 2024 will commence on 1 February 2025 and the Commissioner's oversight, functions and powers, along with those of the committee will be activated then.
Mr Carroll will have extensive powers to set integrity and animal welfare standards and comprehensive investigatory functions across all three codes of racing in Tasmania – harness, thoroughbred, and greyhound.
In October the Tasmanian Government announced the development of an Equine Code of Practice developed after extensive consultation with industry participants and stakeholders.
Minister Howlett said the code covers key aspects of the care, welfare and health of racehorses kept in Tasmania and applied to all people with responsibility for the care and management of racehorses.
"The racing industry generates close to $208 million in economic activity for Tasmania, and involves more than 6,400 people across the State," Minister Howlett said.
"The Tasmanian Government this year provided $100,000 in the Budget over two years to ensure Tasmanian stewards have access to professional development and training to help grow jobs in the industry.
"We are also continuing to invest in workforce renewal with the successful Cadet Stewards program.
"Investments like these allow participants and the community to be reassured that our stewards have the skills and knowledge required to maintain the rules and integrity of racing.
"The Tasmanian Government's actions in 2024 will help drive reforms for the racing industry that will ensure the community can trust that racing is conducted with integrity in Tasmania."
