New appointments to two important racing industry leadership positions will ensure the industry can continue to build on recent successes and achieve financial sustainability in the long term.
Gene Phair will be appointed as Chairperson of Tasracing for a term of three years.
Mr Phair brings extensive knowledge and experience in financial management and board governance to the role.
Mr Phair will start in the role from next month, when Dean Cooper’s current term as Chair ends.
I can also announce that John King has been appointed as General Manager of the Office of Racing Integrity, and Director of Racing.
Mr King is a highly regarded Tasmanian Police Inspector, and has been acting in the role of General Manager and Director of Racing since he was seconded from his position at Tasmania Police in April this year.
Mr King’s appointment for a term of five years provides certainty and stability to the State’s racing industry and ensures that the Office of Racing Integrity will continue to provide quality integrity services.
I would like to thank Mr Cooper for his strong leadership during his nine years on the Board of Tasracing, notably during the introduction of the industry sustainability package and overseeing an increase in race-field fee growth.
On behalf of the Government I would like to wish Mr Cooper all the best for the future.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is the strongest supporter of Tasmania’s racing industry, and we are working hard to ensure it can continue to grow and prosper for a vibrant, sustainable future.