Improving integrity and welfare outcomes in Queensland racing industry

A new Bill has been introduced into the Queensland Parliament today aimed at restoring public confidence in the state’s racing industry.

The Racing Integrity Bill 2015, introduced by the Minister for Racing Bill Byrne, implements recommendations one to three of the Queensland Greyhound Commission of Inquiry Report.

“The Bill is a major step towards improving standards of integrity within all three codes of racing and to further safeguard the welfare of licensed animals,” Minister Byrne said.

“The Queensland Government is taking a stronger stance on regulation of the industry through legislative changes.”

The Bill will establish the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission under the new Racing Integrity Act 2015.

“A Racing Integrity Commissioner will lead the Commission from 2016 to provide independent oversight of integrity issues, and educate participants about their animal welfare obligations,” Minister Byrne said.

“The Bill will also deliver greater protections for vulnerable animals through amendments that permit authorised officers appointed by the Commission to issue directions, enter premises in relation to the protection of a licenced animal, and if necessary power to seize the animal.”

Minister Byrne said new information sharing powers form part of the Bill to improve the investigation into, and prosecution of, animal welfare offences.

“Officers across relevant agencies will be able to share information about suspected breaches of the new Racing Integrity Act 2015 and the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (the ACPA) to support better inter-agency collaboration,” he said.

“The Bill provides for the expansion and renaming of the Queensland All-Codes Racing Industry Board to the Racing Queensland Board.

“The government is committed to ensuring the racing industry is a prosperous and sustainable industry in the future and that public confidence in it is restored to the fullest extent.

“The Bill delivers on these commitments and creates a more effective framework in which industry requirements can be regulated.”

Media Contact: Michelle Connolly: 0478 325 738