Bittar’s big move on Victorian racing
THE Australian who “held the British racing industry together” has called for sweeping changes in the Victorian Racing Industry.
Paul Bittar, the ex British Horseracing Authority chief executive that was brought in to help reform the state’s racing industry has made two key recommendations, in a bid to further safeguard itself against corruption.
Bittar’s probe into the racing industry recommended that a new racing integrity unit should be established.
It also suggested a single cross code Racing Appeals Disciplinary Board, that would essentially replace the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and force owners, trainers and jockeys to take their grievances to the Supreme Court.
Bittar called it the Victorian Racing Integrity Unit that would cover thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing.
Confusion had reigned, with initial reports claiming it would be independent of the sports’ governing bodies, but Bittar said that is not the case.
“It’s effectively an arms-length services vehicle – it’s not separate in the sense of being a statutory body in the way that has been established in Queensland or exists in Tasmania,” Bittar radio station RSN 927.
“Some of the commentary around the recommendations is probably not entirely correct.
“Some of the comparisons to what’s happened in New South Wales previously with harness and greyhounds is also not correct.
“It’s deliberately designed to be closely connected to the codes.
“I was very conscious that the right answer is to not have a completely separate vehicle.”
At the moment, the integrity of racing is policed by three separate units across each code.
Under the recommended VCAT changes, Bittar said the current process was often bogged down by time and cost factors and would give the RADB more clout.
“The current system is a multi-layered system that effectively provides for re-hearings of cases that have gone through the RAD Board processes to then go through a VCAT process,” Bittar said.
“The VCAT processes, while I think well-intentioned when set-up, they have unquestionably led to delays in dealing with cases.
“And they can also prove to be quite expensive processes, due to the fact it provides for re-hearings.
“The key change in removing VCAT is there will need to be a strengthening of the RAD Board processes, because the current RAD Board system doesn’t provide for all elements of natural justice that participants can get when they go through a VCAT process.
“A key part of the change is – I’m recommending – there be an establishment of a single cross-code Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board.
“They would require a strengthening of their processes to ensure the participants received full natural justice at that level.
“They would still have an opportunity to appeal on a point of law at the Supreme Court.”
That would be much tougher and more a more costly avenue for those wishing to appeal.
Victorian state Racing Minister Martin Pakula said the government would now work with the industry to implement the recommendations.
“This is about giving Victorian racing an integrity model that provides rigorous and impartial oversight of the three codes,” Pakula said
“I thank Mr Bittar for his work in conducting the review and each of the controlling bodies for their co-operation and support, and I look forward to seeing the key recommendations implemented within the next two years.”
Racing Victoria chairman David Moodie said the board would enter into talks with the government on the Bittar report.
“Management and the board will take its time to digest the information within and the recommendations made and consider the implications for thoroughbred racing in Victoria,” Moodie said.
“We support the principle of collaboration between the three racing codes and believe that our expertise and processes will be invaluable in helping to inform future discussions with Government, HRV and GRV.
“We also believe in continual development and strengthening of our integrity programs and resources, as maintaining the integrity of Victorian thoroughbred racing is at the core of our existence.”
Bittar was brought in by the government in June last year to help reform the industry by enhancing collaboration between the codes, provide greater transparency of integrity service functions and to consider the separation of integrity functions from commercial operations.
Bittar’s report states a two year time frame for the recommendations to be implemented.
“There has been a range of issues in Victorian racing that, rightly or wrongly, have resulted in a loss of public confidence in the integrity services functions and systems overseeing the sport,” Bittar said.
“These factors led the minister to seek to have the review undertaken.”
Hot on the heels of the report come claims from jockeys and trainers that that some stewards have been allowing personal prejudice get in the way of their professional duties.
Australian Jockeys’ Association chairman Ross Inglis told News Limited this week that when stewards set down penalties, “personalities can come into it’’.
Trainers’ Association chief Andrew Nicholl said “those responsible for managing the process must be seen as absolutely impartial in carrying out their duties”.
Racing Victoria has hit back, saying in a statement that it “categorically rejects the assertions and implications which arise from the comments made by the Australian Trainers’ Association and Australian Jockeys’ Association”.
“The stewards act in good faith to protect the integrity of racing and a level playing field for all participants,” RV stated.
“The stewards do so without fear or favour.
“Any suggestion to the contrary is without foundation.”