The Crisafulli Government has initiated a landmark review of Queensland’s racing industry, releasing a discussion paper that invites industry participants and stakeholders to contribute their insights.
This review, the most significant in over 25 years, aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Thoroughbred, Harness, and Greyhound racing across the state.
Former Chairman of the Australian Turf Club and current board member of the Cronulla Sharks, Matthew McGrath has been appointed as Chair of the review, and will lead efforts to assess the social, financial, and employment impacts of the racing industry while prioritizing animal welfare standards.
Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in this process.
“We committed to a review into all aspects of racing, and this discussion paper is the first step,” he stated, highlighting racing’s vital role in the state’s economy, noting its contributions exceed AU$2.4 billion ($2.6 billion) annually and provide employment for around 16,000 Queenslanders.
With 120 racing clubs in Queensland—comprising 111 Thoroughbred clubs, four Harness clubs, and five Greyhound clubs—the review will consider how to enhance the sustainability of these organizations.
Stakeholders will also be asked how the racing industry can further prioritize the lifelong care and welfare of racing animals.
Notably, race meetings attract significant attendance, with a total of 795,325 attendees across various events: 668,332 for Thoroughbred races, 66,697 for Harness races, and 60,296 for Greyhound races.
Review goals
The review will focus on enhancing the integrity of the racing industry, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring the continued strength of country racing, with the discussion paper to remain open for input until March 30th, 2025.
The review will address several critical areas. First, stakeholders are encouraged to identify challenges related to infrastructure within their racing code or region and propose solutions to these issues. The effectiveness of the relationship between Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission will also be evaluated, with a focus on identifying key integrity challenges in the industry and exploring potential improvements.
Additionally, participants are invited to discuss significant cost challenges related to compliance for clubs and individuals, along with suggestions for alleviating these financial burdens. The review aims to tackle workforce challenges facing the racing industry and to find better ways to support and leverage the significant volunteer base that contributes to racing events.
In terms of country racing, the review will examine the cost challenges faced by participants, clubs, and venues, seeking strategies to ensure that country racing remains integral to regional and rural communities. Stakeholders will also be asked how the racing industry can further prioritize the lifelong care and welfare of racing animals.
Finally, the review will explore broadcast and digital media opportunities to enhance the Queensland racing industry’s national and international presence, as well as discuss how to better leverage wagering opportunities.
‘Stakeholders are encouraged to participate actively to secure a prosperous future for the industry and the communities that support it’.
Concerns raised over excessive taxation
In response to the review, Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) welcomed the Queensland Government’s commitment to consulting with industry stakeholders.
RWA CEO Kai Cantwell expressed support for a strong funding model that benefits taxpayers and guarantees a thriving racing sector, and noted that the review’s focus on financial sustainability is crucial.
However, Cantwell also raised concerns about the implications of excessive taxation and regulation, warning that a balance is necessary to maintain a viable environment for wagering providers, especially in light of the former government’s increase of the Point of Consumption Tax (POCT) to 20 percent in 2022.
“Eighty percent of all Queensland POCT revenue is allocated to the racing industry, meaning that a decline in wagering activity reduces critical funding for racing participants, prize money, and infrastructure,” he explained, cautioning that high tax rates could lead to diminished wagering revenues and, consequently, lower returns for the racing industry.
RWA added that it supports “evidence-based policy decisions” and commended the Queensland Government for engaging with the industry throughout the review process.
