An eight week extension has been granted by the Government for the final report by the independent investigator into the State’s harness racing industry.
The Rockliff Liberal Government is ensuring Tasmania maintains the highest possible standards when it comes to racing integrity, probity, and animal welfare.
That is why national integrity expert Ray Murrihy was appointed to independently investigate allegations of team driving, race fixing and animal welfare concerns in the Tasmanian harness racing industry and the management of those issues by the Office of Racing Integrity.
Minister for Racing, Madeleine Ogilvie, said had been expecting Mr Murrihy to present his findings to Government at the end of June, 2023.
“Mr Ray Murrihy wrote to the Government on Friday asking for an extension of time by another eight weeks to ensure the matters outlined in the Terms of Reference can be fully investigated,” she said.
“It is important to allow Mr Murrihy adequate time to thoroughly complete his due diligence of all the matters before him in the interests of procedural fairness.
“The Government has always committed to providing further resources as required, and additional time for the review if Mr Murrihy deemed it necessary.
“It is my understanding that along with reviewing written submissions, Mr Murrihy has visited Tasmania on several occasions to conduct in-person confidential interviews. This has included inspecting animal welfare conditions at the Yole Sidmouth Racing Stables and consultation with RSPCA Tasmania.
“The investigation also involves the collection of data and other information from third parties, such as analysis of race betting data.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government announced this investigation to ensure Tasmanians can have faith that the welfare of animals is never compromised, and the integrity of the industry is above reproach, so it is important we ensure a thorough investigation is undertaken.”
The revised date the report and findings will be due to be provided to the Government is now 31 August 2023.
It is important to note that when it comes to probity and equity, the Tasmanian Government also previously instigated the Monteith Review and are implementing its recommendations, which includes creating a new Racing Integrity Commissioner with the powers to set integrity and animal welfare standards.
“There is no stronger supporter of the racing industry in Tasmania than the Rockliff Liberal Government and I am committed to upholding the integrity of the industry,” Minister Ogilvie said.
For more information on the independent investigation visit: https://nre.tas.gov.au/about-the-department/independent-racing-investigation