The Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to upholding the integrity of Tasmania’s racing industry.
“We take all allegations of integrity and animal welfare very seriously,” Minister Ogilvie said.
“Many of the matters reported today have been the subject of ORI and RSPCA investigation. The allegations are very concerning".
“While the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI) as the regulatory body, and the Director of Racing, are well equipped to investigate allegations of rule breaches, the integrity of racing is paramount".
“I have now asked ORI to immediately and carefully review the information included in the media report to determine what additional investigations may be required."
The Minister said the Government is already taking action to strengthen and enhance integrity functions, as well as animal welfare.
“The Government is progressing the recommendations from the independent review of the Racing Regulation Act 2004, led by independent expert Mr. Dale Monteith,’ the Minister said.
“Legislation is being prepared to create a Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner with powers to set integrity and animal welfare standards and comprehensive audit, compliance, and investigatory functions.
“New legislation will also provide a key role for the RSPCA in animal welfare assurance and retains the power for independent investigation of animal welfare matters.
“In relation to specific matters raised in recent days, Tasracing has communicated to industry a proposed Equity in Participation rule, which will see a limited number of horses able to be entered in pre-determined races from any one stable.
“The Office of Racing Integrity will also employ a betting analyst to assist across all three codes of racing, to provide ‘real-time’ access to information to assist stewards in their inquiries, as well as providing the opportunity to proactively review trends in relation to betting on Tasmanian racing."