I refer to David Carter’s letter of April 6th regarding the Maxwelton Races.
Readers need to be aware that Queensland racing stewards no longer report to Racing Queensland (RQ). Since 1 July 2016 stewards report to the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) which operates under its own Act - the Racing Integrity Act 2016.
The Act was passed during the term of the current government by one vote with the assistance of the vote of the Member for Cairns – Labour turned Independent MP, Mr Rob Pyne. .
The legislation was very strongly opposed by the racing industry including by the organisation that I represent – the Queensland Racing Unity Group (QRUG).
This legislation gives control of all integrity matters, including the operation of stewards and the setting of racing standards to the Commissioner, ex policeman Mr. Ross Barnett.
Mr Barnett reports directly to the Minister for Racing, currently the honourable Grace Grace MP.
Racing Queensland has no role, nor do I suspect, any influence on the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.
One of the many objections to the legislation was the power of the Commission to set common standards to apply to all race clubs.
One size fits all.
There is no legislated involvement that racing participants, including clubs, have in the development of those standards.
It seems to me that the Maxwelton racing community has just experienced the consequences of this legislation.
Other clubs have also reported strange directions from QRIC stewards.
I wonder if there is one passing thought within Queensland Racing Integrity Commission about the future of country racing.
Racing participants are also aware that under Racing Queensland, racing Integrity cost the industry around $14 million per year.
It has been reliably estimated the annual cost of QRIC is in excess of $25 million.
The legislation does not allow for QRIC expenditure to be scrutinised.
The current state government has agreed to pay the cost difference until 2020.
After that any difference will be on-charged to the racing industry and will, presumably come out of prize money including that allocated to country race meetings.
Ian McCauley- President – Queensland Racing Integrity Group.
