Trainers in New South Wales will be subject to stricter financial scrutiny from the 2025/26 season, with Racing NSW requiring submission of personal and business ATO assessments as part of their licence renewal process.
The new requirements also include signing a statutory declaration affirming their financial viability and confirming they can meet obligations to creditors and employees, including superannuation.
Racing NSW operations manager – integrity, Michael Cleaver, outlined the policy in a letter dated May 1 and distributed to trainers by email on May 2.
“Professional management of finances and tax obligations is a critical expectation for anyone holding a trainer’s licence,” Cleaver stated.
“To help ensure the financial viability of trainers and their ongoing capacity to pay creditors and staff, Racing NSW is introducing new requirements for the licensing renewal process for trainers.
“This is, in our view, a necessary step to continue to uphold the integrity, safety and welfare of the racing industry.
“It will also allow for earlier intervention where a trainer may not be meeting their obligations and provide a greater opportunity to avoid training businesses from failing.”
The announcement has sparked concern among several trainers who argue that the new measures are intrusive and a potential breach of their personal privacy.
