The Tasmanian Government's racing reforms have taken a significant step forward with the appointment of the State's first Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner.
Experienced racing and sports integrity leader Sean Carroll has been appointed to the position.
Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, said Mr Carroll brings with him a strong record of industry engagement and integrity enforcement.
"We are very pleased to appoint Mr Carroll to this role, which is central to delivering on our commitment to introduce a racing framework based on best practice," Minister Howlett said.
"The reforms, which were passed into legislation in September, will deliver a contemporary, effective, and fit for purpose model for regulation and integrity.
"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."
Mr Carroll has been the Victorian Racing Integrity Commissioner since March 2021 where he conducted an independent review into the Victorian Racing Industry Victim Support and Complaint Processes.
Before being appointed Commissioner, Mr Carroll was the Head of Integrity and Security at Cricket Australia where he developed and implemented an integrity framework.
Mr Carroll said he was looking forward to taking on the new role.
"The opportunity to shape and deliver the largest integrity reforms in decades through the Racing Regulation and Integrity Bill is one I welcome.
"This model is based on evidence and industry best practice, and I am look forward to my role in its implementation.
"Getting out and meeting with participants and industry across all the codes and gaining a better understanding of their needs and challenges will be my key focus."
Minister Howlett said the legislative changes will come into effect on 1 February 2025, when the legislation is proclaimed.
She said on that date, TasRacing will become operationally responsible for all three codes of racing, including pre-race day and race day management, stewards, and animal welfare.
"We will always back the racing industry because it supports families and jobs in rural and regional communities, generates close to $208 million in economic activity per year, and involves more than 6,400 people across Tasmania," Minister Howlett said.
"Racing is a big part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, and we are getting on with the job of delivering that Plan."
