On 27 March the Government announced allegations about harness racing integrity and animal welfare would be independently investigated.
Some of the allegations that went to that process included race fixing, team driving, animal abuse, tax evasion, wage theft, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
On 1 April the Government announced a Terms of Reference and said the report would be provided by 30 June 2023.
Just four days from its due date, the Government announced a two month extension taking it to 31 August.
On 15 August new Minister Felix Ellis announced only parts of the review would be completed by 31 August as part of an ‘interim report’.
It’s now almost six months since the allegations were made. The industry is hurting and every day the review is not released is another let down for the industry.
We need a strong, sustainable industry that’s led by a competent regulator and a government who values it. We don’t have that.
Minister Ellis must release the interim report and make a full explanation about why the other components of the review have not been completed.
Dean Winter MP
Shadow Minister for Racing
