Steps taken to establish the Racing Integrity Committee

A Racing Integrity Committee will be established by the Tasmanian Government as the next step of implementing landmark racing reforms included in the Racing Regulation and Integrity Act 2024.

The Racing Integrity Committee, together with oversight from the newly-appointed Racing Integrity Commissioner, will ensure the Tasracing Integrity Unit’s regulatory and enforcement functions and the commercial and administrative functions of Tasracing remain separate.

The Committee will consist of two persons appointed by the Minister, one of whom is to be appointed Chairperson, and two persons who are on the Board of Directors of Tasracing.

Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, said the Tasmanian Government was restoring faith and rebuilding trust across all three codes of Tasmania’s racing industry with these steps.

“I’m really pleased that we have two high-quality nominees in international legal practitioner Regina Weiss, who will Chair the Committee, and leading racing and training authority Merv Hill,” Minister Howlett said.

“Ms Weiss’s track record speaks for itself, and as Chair of this Committee, she will be a driving force in holding the racing industry to the standard Tasmanians expect and deserve.

“Mr Hill has had a long and distinguished career in the Australian racing industry and currently chairs the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Advisory Network. He has served as chairman of the Australian Trainers Association and CEO of Racing NSW.

“These two appointments will help drive reforms for the industry, which employs thousands of Tasmanians.

"The Government also welcomes the appointments of Gene Phair and Neil Grose as the Tasracing Board nominated Committee members.

“Our Government is delivering improvements to integrity, animal welfare and overall well being of the racing industry.