Breeding & Racing Magazine

NSW Race Fields Legislation Approved

NSW Racing Minister Graham West also announced the state's racing industry "has been given a significant boost under new legislation to come into effect from 1 July" under which "the controlling bodes of the 3 codes of racing will grant approvals & set fees for the use of NSW race fields by wagering operators". West declared the Racing Legislation Amendment Act 2006 "will end the practice of wagering operators who use NSW racing as a wagering platform but contribute nothing to the industry. This Regulation sets out application procedures, approval conditions, fees & other criteria to enable this legislation to be implemented from July 1. At present there are some wagering operators betting on NSW races that give nothing back & this 'free ride' costs the industry millions of dollars each year. This legislation will enable the NSW racing industry to receive a fair payment from those who use NSW racing product, but don't support or compensate the local industry". West noted the legislation:

• Prohibits the publication of race fields without approval from the relevant controlling body (Racing NSW, Harness Racing NSW or Greyhound Racing NSW).
• Allows controlling bodies to set conditions for approval including a fee of up to 1.5% of wagering turnover.
• Sets criteria which controlling bodies must follow in assessing any application to publish race fields.
• Requires controlling bodies to provide written reasons for their decision to approve or reject an application.
• Enables aggrieved applicants to have a decision reviewed by the Minister.
• Allows the decision of the Minister to be reviewed by the Administrative Decisions Tribunal.