Racing Regulation and Integrity Act 2024

The Commissioner has the following functions:to oversee integrity in racing and the welfare of animals that are or have been involved in racing; to monitor the administration and regulation of racing; to research and investigate integrity in racing, animal welfare and related matters; to advise the Minister on integrity in racing, animal welfare and related matters and make policy proposals for the development of racing; to advise the Minister on the Rules of Racing; to promote compliance with this Act and integrity in racing, and to promote animal welfare and prevent animal cruelty; to liaise with authorities and persons responsible for integrity in racing, animal welfare and related matters in this State and, as appropriate, elsewhere; to facilitate cooperation, in relation to animal welfare initiatives, between Tasracing, the department responsible for the administration of the Animal Welfare Act 1993, the department responsible for the administration of the Biosecurity Act 2019, and the RSPCA; to review annual integrity plans for Tasracing; to review proposals relating to new or amended Rules of Racing and give advice and make recommendations in relation to those rules; to make best practice Standards that provide for any matter relating or incidental to the conduct of racing (including but not limited to integrity in the racing industry and animal welfare) and to monitor, review, and give advice and make recommendations in relation to the implementation of, and compliance with, those Standards; to provide oversight over Tasracing’s administration and regulation of the racing industry, including Tasracing’s approval of registrations and granting of licences under the Rules of Racing, and its administration, registration and regulation of racing clubs; to provide oversight over Tasracing’s administration and registration of bookmakers and bookmakers’ agents; to give advice and make recommendations to Tasracing and others in relation to the training of people employed or otherwise engaged in the racing industry; to conduct audits and reviews, and make recommendations, in relation to the functions, processes and systems of Tasracing and racing clubs, including in relation to integrity in racing, animal welfare, governance and finances; to investigate allegations made and other matters relating to integrity in racing and animal welfare, including with respect to Tasracing and the performance and the exercise of its functions and powers; to conduct own-motion investigations and inquiries, including into integrity in racing, animal welfare and systemic issues in racing; to inquire into any matters referred to the Commissioner by the Minister or such matters as requested by Tasracing; if appropriate, refer matters to a public authority, the Commissioner of Police, the DPP or any other person that the Commissioner considers appropriate; to make such recommendations, following the investigation of any matter or an inquiry by the Commissioner, as the Commissioner considers appropriate; such other functions as are prescribed.

The Commissioner has such other functions as are conferred or imposed on the Commissioner by or under this or any other Act.