The Queensland Racing Minister Grace Grace has launched an independent review into the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC).
Grace’s decision … a huge development … comes on the back of continued concerns from stakeholders about both QRIC’s performance and its relationship with other groups working within the broader industry.
The Queensland Thoroughbred Alliance, who were instrumental in calling for the review, issued the following statement on this very important, unfolding matter.
‘The Thoroughbred Alliance (Trainers, Jockeys, Breeders & Owners Associations) is extremely pleased with the announcement by our Minister Grace Grace, that an independent review be undertaken into the operation and management of QRIC.
‘Once again it shows the Minister listens to the participants of racing, who just like the Government so heavily rely on our industry. We believe that a significant change in the culture and management style of QRIC is urgently needed and are hopeful the independent review will assist in determining this.
‘The industry needs and deserves a much-improved working relationship within QRIC, both internally amongst their own people, and externally with its partners being industry participants and the Racing Queensland administration.
‘Once again, we thank the Minister for listening, and hearing the racing industry participants.
‘We have given QRIC ample opportunities to develop and strengthen relationships with industry for the betterment of all, but we had felt we could do no more as the gap continued to widen between “us and them”.
‘Our view is also the relationship between QRIC and Racing Qld is also very concerning and the industry as whole was suffering, at a time when we should be thriving on the back of many of the fantastic initiatives and management strategies our industry has benefited from in recent times.’
It is believed that this independent review will be completed in the first quarter of next year at which time it can be expected to hand down its findings and recommendations.
