As his new year resolutions, Racing Minister Felix Ellis should immediately:
- Release the Murrihy Review
- Commit to an external recruitment process for a new Director of Racing
The Murrihy Review was announced over nine months ago to deal with accusations of poor animal welfare standards, team driving and race fixing. Without understanding the findings and recommendations the industry can't improve or move forward.
The shambolic Office of Racing Integrity is the biggest risk facing the industry. It has become a national embarrassment.
Participants need to know that the new Director of Racing understands racing. None of the last four appointees have had any experience in racing - which has been a significant contributor to the mess we are now in.
Tasmanian Racing is a $200 million per year industry that employs over 1,500 people - mostly in regional Tasmania. We need to get these decisions right so that our industry can grow and continue to be a wonderful enabler for regional Tasmanian areas like King Island, Carrick, Longford, St Marys and Scottsdale - which have or will hold meetings this week.
Dean Winter MP
Shadow Minister for Racing
