The Australian Turf Club has handed down its penalty to former politician Mark Latham following an independent investigation.
Former Labor Party leader Mark Latham has been issued a 12-month good behaviour bond by the Australian Turf Club after it concluded its investigation into recent comments he made to a senior club official.
Latham, who led the ALP between 2003 and 2005, made the comments at a Rosehill race meeting earlier this month, the incident prompting the ATC Board to commission an independent report into the matter.
An ATC statement released on Thursday confirmed the club had subsequently issued Latham with a 12-month suspended sanction which necessitated him abiding by several conditions.
These included a stipulation that his membership privileges would be maintained on the premise he acted in accordance with the ATC Board Members’ Code Of Conduct in all dealings with staff, the Board and fellow ATC members.
It also forbids him from making public statements, including on social media, that might “disparage ATC operations pertaining to staff”.
The ATC said it would instead provide the media commentator with direct access to a customer service facility where he could provide “constructive feedback”.
Latham is reported to have agreed to the conditions and if they are breached he faces being hit with a full 12-month suspension without warning.
Latham has been a vocal critic of the proposed sale of Rosehill racecourse, which will be voted on by ATC members on May 27.
The vote date has twice been pushed back in order for the club to finalise plans and provide more clarity and information on the proposal.
