Strengthening Tasmania's racing industry through new legislation

Probity, integrity, and animal welfare are critically important in the racing industry which is why the Rockliff Liberal Government is introducing the most significant reforms in decades.

Minister for Racing, Felix Ellis, said he tabled the Racing Regulation and Integrity Bill 2023 and Racing Regulation and Integrity (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2023 today to strengthen governance, animal welfare matters and integrity across all three codes of racing in the State.

“As Liberals we back racing because it’s part of the Tasmanian way of life. We will ensure Tassie racing is fair and humane so that it has a bright future,” Minister Ellis said.

“This new legislation incorporates recommendations from the Monteith Review, which reviewed the Racing Regulation Act 2004 and the racing integrity model in Tasmania. The Government also sought feedback from stakeholders and the community over a six-week period.

“Thank you to all stakeholders and members of the public for making submissions because your feedback has resulted in changes to the final Bill, including clarity and consistency between Acts and provisions and the removal of ambiguous language.

“These Bills will support an industry that generates more than $208 million in economic activity for Tasmania, which involves more than 6400 people across the State.

“The Bills create a tough new cop on the beat with a Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, who will have powers to set integrity and animal welfare standards. Staff who have experience in animal welfare policy and regulation will be appointed to the Commissioner.

“The Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner will be accountable through an annual report to the Minister for Racing on the performance of their functions and exercise of their powers.

“Tasracing will become operationally responsible for all three codes of racing, including pre-race day and race day management, stewards and daily animal welfare.”

These changes will enhance integrity, governance and animal welfare.

Minister Ellis said that racing is a way of life, supported by proud, passionate Tasmanians, loved by families for decades. The Rockliff Liberal Government is a proud supporter of Tasmania’s racing community and the thousands of people who are part of it.