Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022

As shadow minister, announced the LNP will not oppose the bill as it is long overdue. Criticised the government for taking four years to act on the 2018 discussion paper while acknowledging the bill addresses needed reforms to the appeals process.

“At the very outset I will say that the LNP will not oppose this bill as it is long overdue.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

As Minister for Racing, strongly supports the bill which creates a new independent Racing Appeals Panel to improve review of stewards' decisions and deliver faster, specialist outcomes for the racing industry.

“The Palaszczuk government strongly backs our racing industry not only because it delivers thousands of jobs but because of its important contribution to the social fabric and wellbeing of our community, particularly regional communities.”— 2022-10-14View Hansard

As committee chair, outlined the committee's inquiry process and key reforms including the independent panel to replace QCAT appeals. Emphasised the importance of racing to Queensland's economy and communities.

“I rise to support the Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Supports the reforms but delivered extensive criticism of QRIC's performance since 2016. Cited numerous cases where he argued participants were unfairly treated and reputations damaged. Noted Queensland is now adopting the NSW/Victoria model after their unique system failed.

“We are going to what Victoria and New South Wales have because the unique system that we had clearly did not work.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

As deputy committee chair, acknowledged the bill does good things in the narrowest sense but noted it does not cover all shortcomings in the system. Welcomed faster appeals process and independent panel with industry expertise.

“In the narrowest sense this is a good bill because it does some good things.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Spoke in support of the bill as continuing the Palaszczuk government's strong history of improving racing integrity. Welcomed the independent appeals panel that will prevent gaming of the QCAT process.

“I rise to speak in support of the Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022. This bill represents the next stage of reform of the racing industry from the Palaszczuk government.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

As committee member, emphasised the need for fairness and integrity in the racing system. Highlighted the Ben Currie case where an individual used stay notices to continue racing for 2.5 years despite video evidence against him.

“It is critically important that we have a system put in place to ensure that there is fairness and integrity in the system itself.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Spoke about the economic contribution of racing to Queensland, particularly regional communities. Discussed the bill's provisions ensuring responsible use of digital platforms in racing.

“The benefit of racing to those regional communities cannot be overstated.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Confirmed the LNP is not opposing the bill but emphasised this should not be confused with thinking the minister is doing a good job. Noted concerns with QRIC have existed since 2016 and the government has been slow to act.

“While the LNP will not oppose the bill, I would not want that to be at all confused with the idea that we think the minister is doing a good job, because nothing could be further from the truth.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Highlighted the economic importance of Queensland racing with 40,000 participants and $1.6 billion contribution. Supported reforms to prevent gaming of the appeals system and ensure faster resolution.

“It is absolutely paramount that we do what we can to ensure public confidence in the integrity of an industry that provides so much economic growth and development and local jobs.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Confirmed LNP will not oppose the bill. Detailed the policy objectives including independent panel, faster timeframes, and limiting stays for serious welfare/integrity matters. Raised concerns about eligibility criteria for panel members.

“As stated by the shadow minister, the LNP will not be opposing this bill.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Spoke in support of the bill, noting it builds on the Racing Integrity Act 2016 which established QRIC. Provided historical context about racing fraud cases including Fine Cotton to illustrate the importance of integrity measures.

“I rise to speak in support of the Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Welcomed the establishment of an independent panel to bring Queensland in line with NSW and Victoria. Noted racing's importance to the Gympie region and criticised government mismanagement of racing since 2015.

“The creation of an independent panel will bring Queensland into line with the current arrangements in New South Wales and Victoria.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill while criticising the LNP for opposing the original Racing Integrity Act in 2016. Emphasised the government's investment in racing infrastructure including the new Ipswich greyhound track.

“It is this side of politics that cares about the integrity of racing in this state.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Supports the reforms but delivered extensive criticism of QRIC's performance, citing numerous integrity failures and cases where participants were cleared after lengthy delays. Strongly defended the LNP's record on country racing.

“We all know that racing is an incredible part of our Queensland economy.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Defended the government against opposition criticism about delays, noting the opposition could have introduced a private member's bill. Spoke about the Palaszczuk government's commitment to country racing through the 2022 budget.

“This is a bill that I am very proud to support.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Welcomed the overdue integrity amendments. Spoke about racing constituents who had their lives affected by delays in QCAT appeals. Emphasised racing's importance to regional economies and the role of stewards.

“I welcome this overdue integrity amendment bill. During the four years since the discussion paper, many in the racing industry have bled their hearts out.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Spoke in support of the bill, highlighting Ipswich's strong racing presence across all three codes. Emphasised the importance of animal welfare standards and industry integrity for public confidence.

“I am delighted to say some words in support of this very important bill.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

Spoke in support of the bill, drawing parallels between the new Racing Appeals Panel and judiciary panels in other sports like Rugby League. Shared personal connection to racing through his uncle who was a leading jockey.

“Racing is like any other sport. It is important that there is integrity within the sport.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard

As Minister for Racing, defended the bill in reply. Criticised the LNP for opposing the original 2016 Racing Integrity Act and noted Queensland racing has grown 60% since those reforms. Welcomed opposition support while highlighting their previous opposition to integrity measures.

“The economic contribution of the Queensland racing industry has soared almost 60 per cent under the Palaszczuk government to a record nearly $2 billion.”— 2022-10-25View Hansard