Racing Minister Jane Howlett must publicly release the Independent Stewards Panel Review, in full, today.
Ms Howlett said at Estimates last week she would receive the review today – where is it?
Will it recommend charges against individuals who a succession of Liberal Racing Ministers have allowed to continue racing for more than a year? Or will it recommend they continue to be allowed to race, plunging the industry even deeper into crisis?
Either way, it needs to be in the public domain.
Failed former Minister Felix Ellis famously took two months to release the Murrihy Report, even keeping it secret from TasRacing.
The Murrihy Report made findings against four participants, but no charges were laid due to the failure of another failed former Minister for Racing, Madeleine Ogilvie, to include laying any necessary charges in the terms of reference. All four individuals are currently allowed to race.
Today’s report will finally outline what action will be taken.
After 10 years of the Liberals, racing is in crisis and needs strong action from a government that cares about its future. Labor supported landmark integrity legislation recently but releasing today’s report would be the first meaningful step to restoring confidence in a great Tasmanian industry.
Luke Edmunds MLC
Shadow Minister for Racing
