RACING Queensland Limited (RQL) on Thursday announced as part of its operations and commitment to the racing industry, the inclusion of a secondary income to the Workers Compensation WorkCover Policy for jockey and apprentice jockeys.

RQL and the Queensland Jockeys Association (QJA) has worked together with WorkCover Queensland to negotiate the terms of this cover which will provide an increased level of cover for Queensland jockeys in the event of an accident. 

It is RQL’s intention that by providing this cover, at no additional cost to jockeys, it will assist and ease the financial burden for jockeys and their families in the event of an injury and allow them to focus on their recovery. 

RQL acting ceo Adam Carter is committed to working with industry participants to provide a safer environment where possible.  

“This initiative is in addition to several schemes recently released by RQL including the Jockey Voluntary Superannuation, Jockey Career Benefit Fund and the Voluntary Agreement for PAYG withholding,” he said.

“We want to offer as much assistance to jockeys in the case of an accident to enable them to recover, and return to work as soon as possible.”

President of the QJA Glen Prentice welcomes the news and believes this initiative will greatly assist riders who support themselves and their families from earnings outside their capacity as a jockey.

“When an injury occurs in a racing accident, the changes to the WorkCover policy will ensure the financial burden on the jockey will be minimised,” he said.

“The QJA has been working closely with RQL over recent months and are delighted with the initiatives they have announced today.” 

The secondary income payments to the Workers Compensation WorkCover Policy will commence on April 1, 2013.

RACING QUEENSLAND MEDIA RELEASE