IT might be the ‘poison chalice’ of Australian racing but reliable reports indicate there are several high profile identities prepared to accept the challenge.
The global search for a new CEO of Racing Queensland has apparently paid dividends with those at the coalface said to be delighted with the response.
LGHR understands that there are several high quality candidates including one standout who is no stranger to racing in Queensland and although he may not be based here now understands the northern industry from the city to the outback.
No disrespect for the job that Lachlan Murray has done as Interim CEO (for far too long) but if he applies and beats a couple of the candidates that we know are among the applications then there is something wrong with the process in Queensland.
WHO IS RACING MINISTER AT THE TIME COULD AFFECT THE PROCESS
WHAT could affect the appointment of a new CEO is who will be Racing Minister and what influence new RQ Board Chairman, Matt McGrath, has on the process.
McGrath is known to favour Murray – which doesn’t sit too well with many stakeholders – who have little to no confidence in the Sydneysider’s appointment or how it happened after the Review that he conducted into the industry.
Time appears to be running out for Tim Mander who stood down as Racing Minister pending the outcome of a Federal Police investigation into allegations involving whether he accurately declared his place of residence during a separation from his wife and moving in with new partner, Amanda Camm, also a Minister in the Crisafulli Government.
LGHR understands that unless lights a fire under the Federal Police – who seem to move with the speed of a crippled snail on these type of investigations – Mander could struggle to save his role as Minister for Racing, Sport and the Olympics.
This – and other events confronting the Government – could force a Cabinet reshuffle as the Minister appointed as a temporary replacement for Mander is – with respect – not up to the big job.
Our mail suggests if Mander is not cleared and back in the job by the Estimates Hearings next month, the process of Government will force him to the back bench with a new Minister permanently appointed.
Bearing the importance of the Mander investigation surely some pressure needs to be placed on the Federal Police to do their job sooner rather than later – but don’t hold your breath. Many question whether Mander is a victim of integrity or politics.
