Racing Integrity Bill 2015

Overview

This bill creates the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, a new independent watchdog for animal welfare and integrity in greyhound, thoroughbred, and harness racing. It responds directly to the 2015 Commission of Inquiry that found widespread live baiting and industry self-regulation failure. The bill strips Racing Queensland of its welfare and licensing role, leaving it to handle only commercial operations, and gives authorised officers stronger powers to investigate cruelty and share information with police.

Who it affects

Racing animals, trainers, jockeys, clubs, bookmakers, and members of the public who report cruelty are most affected, along with Racing Queensland which loses its integrity functions. Punters benefit from continued bookmaker insurance protections and tighter rules against illegal betting.

Key changes

• Establishes the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission as an independent regulator of animal welfare, licensing and integrity in racing
• Ends industry self-regulation by moving licensing, auditing and integrity investigation out of Racing Queensland
• Restructures the Racing Queensland Board with seven members, four of whom must be independent of the industry
• Gives authorised officers powers to enter places and vehicles, seize evidence, issue animal welfare directions, and destroy animals in severe pain
• Allows information about animal cruelty to be shared between racing inspectors, police, and Animal Care and Protection Act inspectors, and protects whistleblowers from liability
• Sets penalties up to 4,000 penalty units or 5 years imprisonment for illegal bookmaking and operating illegal betting places