The Andrews Labor Govenrment has appointed Judge Katherine Bourke as the new chairperson of the Victorian racing integrity board.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today congratulated Judge Bourke on her appointment, and thanked inaugural outgoing chair former Supreme Court Judge Jack Forrest for his service.
Judge Bourke has served on the County Court of Victoria since 2007 and prior to that practised as a solicitor and barrister, specialising in personal injuries and administrative law.
She also has extensive knowledge of the Victorian racing industry having served as a Director of the Victoria Racing Club for 18 years.
The Victorian Racing Integrity Board was established by the Labor Government in 2019 to ensure integrity assurance in Victorian racing is subject to strong and independent oversight.
The board provides independent monitoring of the integrity assurance functions of Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria, and Greyhound Racing Victoria, and complements the work of the Racing Integrity Commissioner.
The Board’s functions include endorsing annual integrity plans, providing recommendations on integrity budgets and policies, and considering proposed amendments to the rules of racing.
The Victorian racing industry contributes $4.7 billion to the economy each year and sustains more than 35,000 equivalent full-time jobs across the state.
As stated by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
“Judge Bourke brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to her new role with the Victorian racing integrity board, she is a fantastic asset to the team, as she is to the broader industry.”
“I look forward to seeing the board continue its critical work across the industry under Judge Bourke’s leadership.”
“I would also like to thank Justice Forrest for his service to the racing community and his work as inaugural chair of the victorian racing integrity board.”
