Overview
Racing Appeals Panel
Our purpose
The Racing Appeals Panel is a new independent entity which will review the decisions of stewards under the Rules of Racing.
About the Panel
The Panel is established under the Racing Integrity Amendment Act 2022 to hear and decide applications for review of a racing decision of a steward.
The Panel will commence operations when the legislative amendments commence on a date to be set by proclamation.
The Panel will replace the current internal and external review processes. It will:
finalise review applications within the prescribed timeframes; and
ensure racing decisions are made in accordance with the law and the Rules of Racing to maintain the integrity of the racing industry in Queensland.
The Panel can be constituted to decide an application for review by the chairperson alone under specific circumstances or by the chairperson along with up to two panel members drawn from a pool of appointed persons.
Other background information
The Racing Integrity Act 2016 (the Act) establishes the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) as an independent statutory authority, with a range of functions regarding the integrity of the racing industry, including the greyhound, thoroughbred and harness racing codes.
Stewards, who are QRIC employees, can decide, among other things, to suspend, reprimand and/or warn-off persons for breaches of the Rules of Racing. The Act provides a framework to allow racing participants to challenge decisions made by QRIC. The current review model, comprises the original decision made by QRIC, including a steward’s decision, internal review by QRIC, and (if an applicant is not satisfied) external review by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
The Queensland Government committed to the review of the operation of the Act in consultation with stakeholders in its response to the 2016 Parliamentary Agriculture and Environment Committee report on the Racing Integrity Bill 2015. A public consultation process was undertaken in 2018. The Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022 was introduced into the Legislative Assembly in early 2022.
The main policy objective of the Bill is to reform the review processes for decisions made by stewards under the Rules of Racing by:
replacing the current internal and external review processes for decisions made by racing stewards under the Rules of Racing with review by the proposed independent Racing Appeals Panel;
ensuring reviews are finalised within a reasonable timeframe; and
reducing serious welfare, human safety or integrity risks from being stayed pending hearing of an appeal by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
There will be no change to the arrangements for review of other administrative decisions made by QRIC. This includes administrative decisions, such as licensing decisions, which will still be subject to the current arrangements for internal review and external merits review by QCAT. Further, the exercise of certain powers under the Act, such as the seizure of animals or property and the issuing of animal welfare directions, will still be subject to internal review and appeal to the courts as currently provided.
The Racing Integrity Amendment Act 2002 was passed in the Queensland Legislative Assembly on 25 October 2022 and received assent on 31 October 2022. The provisions that establish the Panel will commence on a future date, to be set by proclamation.
The establishment of the Panel is a significant reform to improve integrity of the racing industry in Queensland by ensuring review applications are finalised quickly within new statutory timeframes, in accordance with the law whilst maintaining processes that are simple and accessible.
How to apply
To be considered for this role, please provide the following information for the assessment of your suitability via the online application portal.
A short (no more than two pages) statement focusing on the knowledge, skills and attributes outlined in the selection competencies.
Attach a current resume, including the names and contact details of two referees. At least one referee must have a thorough knowledge of your conduct and performance within the previous two years.
People from diverse backgrounds, including culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
Confidential enquiries can be made to Pippa Lennon, Senior Associate on +61 424 292 787, or via email at pippa.lennon@luminarypartners.com.au
Contact us
Applications close midnight, Monday 13th February 2023
Due date
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