Queensland horse racing to get new integrity review appeals panel

[Wandering Eyes]

The new Queensland Racing Appeals Panel (QRAP) has been given the green light by the Queensland Government, paving the way for a more efficient and transparent review of Queensland thoroughbred racing appeal decisions.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) welcomes the passing of The Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022 in Queensland Parliament today, which includes amendments to the Racing Integrity Act 2016 to establish the new independent Panel.

Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner Shane Gillard said the Panel will review decisions made by stewards who take disciplinary action against licensees, take exclusion action against a racing participant.

“The new Panel will provide a more efficient and faster review system for racing participants wishing to appeal a steward’s decision,” Mr Gillard said.

“There will no longer be an internal review process for stewards’ decisions to take disciplinary action or exclusion action. The Panel will also add integrity to the review process by shortening the time it will take to have a result following a Panel review,” he said.

“While the new Panel will handle most review decisions, the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) will continue to review licensing decisions where licensing officers have refused or suspended a licence.”

The Panel will include members with legal and racing experience, the Panel chairperson is required to have at least five years’ legal standing and two additional Panel members will be selected from a pool of appointed people with relevant racing or other experience.

The Panel will review decisions from all three codes of racing, thoroughbred, harness and greyhound, and under the legislation there are strict time limits to ensure decisions are made in a timely manner.

Once the Panel commences, applications to review a steward’s decision, must be filed within three business days of a written notification of a decision and penalty, although applications can be made for an extension of time.

The Panel is required to make its decision within seven business days – if the penalty being reviewed is for a fine or a suspension, disqualification or exclusion action under three months, and 20 business days, if the penalty under review is a suspension, disqualification or exclusion action of three months or more.

Mr Gillard said there had been extensive consultation with the racing industry to develop the best appeals system for Queensland that ensures a transparent and efficient racing appeals process in the state.

“Working with the Queensland Government, we wanted to ensure the industry had confidence in the process but more importantly that the public understand that the racing industry is run with the highest level of integrity and that the appeals system is not used for the advantage of rule breakers to stall penalties,” Mr Gillard said.

“The Panel will work to review decisions without fear or favour, and in a timely manner ensuring wherever possible the industry and the decision makers are accountable to the rules of racing.”

QCAT will continue to finalise reviews of stewarding decisions filed before the Racing Appeals Panel commences.

The Panel will commence on a date yet to be proclaimed.

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