RACING Minister Steve Dickson today introduced a suite of changes to Queensland’s racing laws into Parliament, as the Newman Government continues to deliver upon its election commitments to the racing industry.

Mr Dickson said amendments to the Racing Act 2002, the Wagering Act 1998 and the Interactive Gambling (Player Protection) Act 1998 would restore integrity and accountability in the industry.

“Whilst Labor turned a blind eye, those who were charged with running the racing industry in this state were running it into the ground,” Mr Dickson said.

“Given their past mismanagement, Labor needs to declare whether they will now support these measures to rebuild the racing industry, or whether they will continue to try and obstruct the clear wishes of the 30,000 strong sector.

“Rather than the top down structure the previous Labor Government had in place, the Newman Government is ushering in a new era of inclusiveness for all industry members, which was sorely lacking under the previous administration.”

Mr Dickson said he was introducing the changes under the Racing and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 proposing to establish three separate code-specific control boards made up of three non-executive independent members.

The Bill also proposes to remove Racing Queensland Limited as the control body for the thoroughbred, harness and greyhounds codes of racing and establish the Queensland All Codes Racing Industry Board (QACRIB) in this role.

“This will address long-held industry concerns that the control body has no direct interaction with code participants, and licensees in the racing industry have no code-specific board with which to interact,” he said.

“Additionally, this Bill will bring the integrity of racing back under government control, through the establishment of the Racing Disciplinary Board.

“We will also seek to appoint a Racing Integrity Commissioner, who will provide independent oversight of integrity issues across the three codes of racing and conduct audits and integrity-related investigations.

“And we will make changes allowing bookmakers to use internet-based technology to conduct business both at the racecourse and at other off-course, approved premises, finally giving our bookies an opportunity to compete with their interstate counterparts.”

Mr Dickson said funding for the Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme would be extended from 2014 to 2015 under the amendments.

MEDIA RELEASE FROM OFFICE OF RACING MINISTER STEVE DICKSON.