Is the Racing Integrity Bill a leap forward?

It has literally been years in the making … ok, we won’t go there … but the fact that The Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022 was finally passed into law by the Queensland Parliament on October 25 means that the workings of the Queensland Racing Judiciary system can now hopefully take a giant leap forward and no longer drag its feet on important integrity matters and can rid itself of the lengthy delays (not to mention costs) which have, more often than not, arguably adversely affected its standing in the racing industry.

This amendment to the Racing Integrity Act 2016 includes the establishment of a new Independent Appeals Panel and therein, ultimately, lies the crux of the matter on a number of fronts.

Here’s why.

Firstly, those entrusted with selecting the panel members have to know enough about who they are looking for and what particular skill sets are required … and why … to oversee this function of a unique industry. That puts a great responsibility on those appointing the panel members. If the implementation of the new law is to be a success … it starts with them.

That selection process is just as important as the passing of the amended bill itself.

Secondly, that responsibility then shifts to the Panel members, whose clear interpretation and strict, no-nonsense implementation of their brief, as well as their commitment to taking the system to the improved level that the industry demands, will be on notice as to ensuring that goals are met.

Given past history, you will forgive some racing participants if they feel that a new, workable, acceptable version of the Appeals process will have to be seen in action first before it is believed.

Thirdly, last but certainly not least, that old chestnut of a timeframe … or lack of … a seemingly always problematic entity in these matters, needs to be reined in.

The Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022 might have been passed and its structure formally tabled … but when is it going to be implemented?

The commencement date of the new Racing Appeals Panel has yet to be fixed … that is all we know at this stage … leaving an open-ended scenario, exactly the type that has plagued the industry in the state in the past.

Any delay in implementing a system designed to speed up things would seem to be defeating the object of the exercise.

The swift implementation of the new system is not only important because of the immediate need for it, but it is also important if racing authorities want to win over the support of many racing participants who have become roundly dissatisfied with much of what has gone on before in this regard.

Another delay would only be counter-productive.

So, there you have it … the selection process, the panel’s performance, and the timeframe for its implementation … three essential points where targets have to be met before we can even begin to celebrate the value of the Amendment Bill.

Two old sayings apply here.

‘Respect has to be earned’ … and ‘swift justice is good justice.’

The latter would be an appropriate motto for the new independent panel. They should hang it on the door.

Adopting that would be the easy part.

Living up to it will be the real test.

*The pertinent points of The Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022 include:

Applications for review must be lodged within three business days; The majority of decisions will be reviewed within seven business; In more serious cases, the Panel will finalise its review within 20 business days; Appeals to QCAT can only be made where the penalty imposed by the stewards’ is three months or more, and will be limited to the severity of the penalty and there will need to be exceptional circumstances for QCAT to grant a stay.

*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.