Strengthening the integrity of harness racing in Tasmania

The Rockliff Liberal Government is a proud supporter of Tasmania’s racing community and the thousands of people who are part of it.  
 
The Government has taken strong action to protect the integrity of the racing community and strengthen animal welfare outcomes, because we take these matters seriously.  
 
The Government has received the interim report from Mr Ray Murrihy that relates to allegations of team driving, race fixing and animal welfare concerns in the Tasmanian harness racing industry and the management of those issues by the Office of Racing Integrity.   
 
Felix Ellis, Minister for Racing, said the work that Mr Murrihy is undertaking supports the strong action already being delivered through the Monteith Review and the recent release of the draft Racing Regulation and Integrity Bill 2023. 
 
The draft Bill includes the creation of a Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, who will have powers to set integrity and animal welfare standards. 
 
“The draft Bill is currently open for public comment until 6 October 2023 and provides certainty to the racing industry which generates more than $185 million in economic activity for Tasmania and involves more than 5800 people across the State. 
 
“The Tasmanian Government will now consider Mr Murrihy’s interim report and provide a response in due course. 
 
“I thank Mr Murrihy for delivering this interim report, while he continues to work through a final report. It is important that this investigation ensures procedural fairness to those involved - this is an independent process and the work is vital and should not be rushed. 
 
"I also acknowledge the many industry members and stakeholders who engaged with Mr Murrihy through the extensive and comprehensive review process,” Minister Ellis said. 
 
The Bill can be accessed here.