Queensland Racing Appeals Panel

Indemnity

All Members who are appointed to a Government Board may be within the ambit of the Guideline where the Government Board acts for or represents the Crown in right of the State of Queensland. The Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Panel Members, do not incur civil liability for performing a function or exercising a function under the Racing Integrity Act 2016 (as amended). Civil liability attaches to the State.

The State may recover contributions from the officer only if the conduct engaged in was not in good faith and with gross negligence.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be in line with the Queensland Government Renumeration Procedures for Part-time Chairs and Members of Queensland Government Bodies.

The Remuneration Procedure also addresses:

• out of pocket expenses

• superannuation

• taxation and GST

• salary packaging

• other benefits.

The Chairperson, Deputy Chairpersons and Panel Members are engaged and remunerated on a sessional basis.

Operational/Logistics

The Chairperson may require Deputy Chairpersons and Panel Members to come together from time to time to participate in professional development and administrative meetings. Meetings may be in-person or online, at the discretion of the Chairperson.

Deputy Chairpersons and Panel Members may be requested by the Chairperson to constitute a Panel as required. Hearings may be in-person or online.

Members may be required to travel to attend in-person hearings or meetings as required.

Criminal History Checks

A criminal history check is necessary before any new appointment is made to the Panel. Prospective members will be asked to consent to a check as part of the application process.

A member must disclose changes to their criminal history that are a conviction for an offence against the Racing Integrity Act 2016 or Racing Act 2002 or an indictable offence, including an indictable offence against a law of another State.

Further Information

For further information about statutory appointments please refer to the Welcome Aboard: A guide for members of Queensland Government Boards, committees and statutory authorities.

Eligibility

Applications are being sought from persons with relevant qualifications and expertise who are interested in appointment as Chairperson of the Racing Appeals Panel.

The Minister of Racing may recommend a person for appointment to the role of Chairperson only if they are:

• a lawyer of at least five years standing.

A person is not eligible for appointment if they:

• are, or have been in the 2 years before the proposed appointment, a member or employee of the Racing Queensland Board; or

• are registered or licensed by the Racing Queensland Board; or

• have a financial or proprietary interest in a licensed animal; or

• are a member of a committee, or an employee, of—

  • a licensed club; or

  • an association formed in Australia to promote the interests of 1 or more participants in a code of racing; or

• are affected by bankruptcy action; or

• have a conviction, other than a spent conviction, for—

  • an offence against the Racing Integrity Act 2016 or the Racing Act 2002; or

  • an indictable offence against any Act; or

  • an indictable offence against a law of another State.

Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the Chairperson are to:

• lead the operation of the Racing Appeals Panel as an independent statutory authority including by determining guidelines and practice requirements for Panel processes

• engage with a wide variety of stakeholders including industry bodies and representatives, government, the community and the media to ensure public confidence in the operation of the panel and maintain the independence, profile and integrity of the Panel

• constitute the Racing Appeals Panel to hear and determine applications for review

• exercise the powers and functions of the Chairperson of the Racing Appeals Panel to determine applications for review in accordance with law

• act impartially and observe the rules of natural justice

• comply with procedural requirements and practice guidance of the Racing Appeals Panel

• whilst not being bound by the rules of evidence, weigh and consider information before the Panel in a way that is just and fair

• exercise sound judgement and good governance in a timely manner whilst upholding the integrity of the racing industry to maintain community confidence

• be available for hearings in various locations across Queensland either in person or online

• report and manage conflicts of interest

• engage respectfully and professionally with all participants in the Racing Appeals Panel process

• write and finalise decisions of the Panel in short timeframes

• set and participate in meetings if, and when required

• participate in the implementation and ongoing effective and efficient administration of the Racing Appeals Panel

• oversee the development and ongoing refinement of systems, documentation and procedures for the Racing Appeals Panel

• participate in and deliver training about the operation of the Racing Appeals Panel as required

• produce an annual performance report about the operation of the Racing Appeals Panel.

Competencies

The following key competencies are required to perform the key responsibilities of the role:

• demonstrated leadership skills including stakeholder engagement, commensurate with the responsibilities and requirements of the role

• demonstrated high level knowledge and understanding of the racing industry

• proven ability to properly exercise sound judgment and effective and timely decision making

• ability to maintain impartiality and independence to promote the integrity of the racing industry

• demonstrated ability to hear and determine applications for review

• high level interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing

• ability to effectively use a variety of information technology.

Terms and conditions of Appointment

The Chairperson holds office on the conditions in the Racing Integrity Act 2016 and as decided by the Governor in Council and stated in the instrument of appointment. The Chairperson is appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Racing.