THE Australian Crime Commission and the Victorian Racing Integrity Commissioner have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which establishes an unprecedented platform for cooperation and information sharing.

The agreement is the first of its kind with a State or Territory racing integrity body and is a major step towards meeting the risks of crime and corruption with a united response.

Acting Australian Crime Commission Chief Executive Officer Paul Jevtovic and Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna met in the Australian Crime Commission’s Melbourne office to sign the agreement today.

Mr Jevtovic said the partnership resulted from an approach by the Racing Integrity Commissioner to the Crime Commission earlier this year.

“This pioneering agreement enables us to work cooperatively on matters of mutualinterest including the disruption and prevention of organised crime in the racing industry,” Mr Jevtovic said.

This agreement is reflective of the Crime Commission’s responsibilities under theAustralian Crime Commission Act 2002 and allows the racing industry and law enforcement to come together to address issues of criminality in the racing industry.

Mr Perna said the agreement recognises the importance of industry bodies and lawenforcement working together to enhance public confidence in Victorian racing.

“The MOU with the Crime Commission is a significant step in sharing informationbetween racing and law enforcement. I welcome the formalisation of what is already an excellent working relationship with the Commission” Mr Perna said.

The Australian Crime Commission is developing further agreements of this type withvarious state bodies, among them the Office of the Director of Racing Tasmania, and Racing and Wagering Western Australia.

“The signing of this agreement reinforces the need for the Commission and regulatory agencies within the States and Territories to work together on those areas where serious and organised crime has the potential to intersect with the Australian public,”
Mr Jevtovic said.

AUSTRALIAN CRIME COMMISSION MEDIA RELEASE