The appointment of Board positions in the Queensland racing industry’s new governance structure will see the sector led by their best and brightest members, Racing Minister Steve Dickson announced today.

Mr Dickson said the new Queensland All Codes Racing Industry Board (QACRIB) and three code-specific control boards would provide a fresh start for racing in Queensland, as the Newman Government continued to deliver on its election commitment to rejuvenate the industry.

“In stark contrast to the past, where appointments of Directors to the Board of Racing Queensland were shrouded in mystery and open to claims of cronyism, we designed a transparent selection process, at arm’s length from government,” Mr Dickson said.

“Establishing these new boards is a major turning point for the industry in Queensland, part of our commitment to return to a code-specific control board model which will ensure grassroots industry participants are directly involved in the operation of the sector.” 

Mr Dickson said the five-member QACRIB will include the chairs of the three separate control boards for thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing.

“This structure ensures that QACRIB will derive and retain its legitimacy and authority by virtue of the fact that it is truly representative of the sector itself,” he said.

The existing control body for racing, Racing Queensland Limited (RQL), will be replaced by QACRIB, which will trade as Racing Queensland.

“Former Brisbane Racing Club and RQL chair, Mr Kevin Dixon, has been appointed inaugural chair of QACRIB, as well as chair of the Thoroughbred Racing Board,” Mr Dickson said.

“We’re determined to rebuild Queensland’s 30,000 strong racing sector which was brought to its knees by the former Labor Government, which it’s why it is vital that those charged with running the industry have the respect and confidence of their peers.

“In the appointments to the new All Codes Board as well as the three code-specific boards we have people who are not only well qualified, but have a passion for the racing industry.

“Mr Dixon has performed exceptionally well since taking over as chair of RQL only twelve months ago.

“He brings experience and continuity to the role and he will now be given more support, with control board members dealing directly with industry participants.”

The appointments to the boards are:

“I’m also very pleased to announce the appointments of former Queensland Police Commissioner Jim O’Sullivan as the inaugural Racing Integrity Commissioner and former Supreme Court Judge Bill Carter as chair of the new Racing Disciplinary Board,” Mr Dixon said.

“These appointments fulfil another of the LNP’s policy commitments to bring key integrity functions of racing back under government control.”

Mr Dickson said Mr O’Sullivan’s previous experience with the Queensland Police Service would be an invaluable asset in establishing investigatory frameworks and detailed operating procedures associated with his new role.

 “The Racing Integrity Commissioner will provide independent oversight of ethical issues across the three codes of racing and conduct integrity-related investigations, ensuring the Queensland racing industry has the highest standards in the country,” he said.

“Mr O’Sullivan has extensive powers under the Racing Act 2002 to allow him to be able to perform his role unhindered.”

Mr Dickson said the new Racing Disciplinary Board headed by Mr Carter would provide an independent and transparent review mechanism for the racing industry.

“The appointment of a person as eminently qualified as Mr Carter signals the Newman Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest ethical standards for Queensland’s racing industry,” he said.

 “As well as Mr Carter’s experience and knowledge as a jurist, he is also a well-respected member of the Queensland racing community and his was recognised when he was made a life member of the Brisbane Racing Club in 2009.”

He said the racing board appointments would take Queensland’s $855 million racing industry forward, with the new structure and appointments to be effective as of 1 May.

MEDIA RELEASE FROM RACING MINISTER STEVE DICKSON.