The Andrews Labor Government has today released the Review of the Integrity Structures of the Victorian Racing Industry undertaken by Mr Paul Bittar.
The purpose of the review was to consult with the industry and develop a set of recommendations to:
- enhance collaboration between the codes
- provide greater transparency of integrity services functions
- consider the separation of integrity functions from commercial operations
Following extensive consultation with the industry, Mr Bittar has recommended the establishment of a new Victorian Racing Integrity Unit (VRIU) to deliver integrity services for the three codes of racing.
Mr Bittar has also recommended that the appeals and disciplinary system be restructured to remove the appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) of decisions by Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (RADB) and to establish a single cross-code RADB.
The Government has accepted in principle the integrity recommendations made by Mr Bittar.
Mr Bittar identifies a two year timeframe for the implementation of his key recommendation – the Victorian Racing Integrity Unit.
The Government will now commence discussions with the racing codes, Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Boards and Integrity Councils to start the process of implementing Mr Bittar's recommendations.
A copy of the report can be found on the Department of Justice and Regulation website or by clicking .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“This is about giving Victorian racing an integrity model that provides rigorous and impartial oversight of the three codes.”
“I thank Mr Bittar for his work in conducting the review and each of the controlling bodies for their cooperation and support, and I look forward to seeing the key recommendations implemented within the next two years.”
Reviewed 26 June 2020