New Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner appointed

One of the State’s most distinguished police officers will head up the proposed Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), Racing Minister Grace Grace announced today.

Ms Grace said Ross Barnett, currently a Deputy Commissioner in the Queensland Police Service, had been appointed as the Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner designate to lead the establishment of the Commission and to review Racing Queensland’s current integrity program.

She said QRIC was being established to strengthen public confidence in racing, maintain strict animal welfare standards and ensure punters get a fair go.

“Ross Barnett has devoted his career to serving the people of Queensland, and has always demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” she said.

“In his distinguished police career, Mr Barnett has held positions of Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations and Deputy Commissioner Specialist Operations, leading a series of major investigations and security operations.

“He has the right blend of experience, skills and integrity to head up QRIC and was appointed by an expert panel in an independent selection process.

“I’m confident Mr Barnett is the right person to improve integrity standards across all three racing codes in Queensland.”

Ms Grace said Queensland was leading the nation in its response to the greyhound live baiting scandal, which exposed sickening acts of animal cruelty in the greyhound industry.

“Queensland was the first state to hold a Commission of Inquiry in the wake of the live baiting scandal,” she said.

“The resulting MacSporran Report recommended the establishment of a standalone racing integrity body in Queensland to administer rigorous integrity standards.

“QRIC will provide the strong and impartial oversight that the Queensland racing needs.”

Ms Grace said Queensland needed a full-time Racing Integrity Commissioner to drive integrity in the sport.

“Until now Queensland had an under-resourced part-time Racing Integrity Commissioner, when what’s needed is a full-time Commissioner with proper resources and support,” she said.

“QRIC will assume the current integrity functions now carried out by Racing Queensland, along with additional functions as recommended in the MacSporran Report.

“This includes overseeing a consistent program of monitoring dogs from birth to maturity to ensure that no animal will be able to disappear off the map.

“Racing Queensland will focus on commercial, marketing and operational functions as we enter an exciting new era in the state’s racing industry.”

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission will be established following passage of the Racing Integrity Bill 2015, expected later this year.

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548