[no bill text published] Director Gains Power to Investigate Racing Industry and Manage Racecourse Licences, and Fines for Ignoring Director's Directions
Racing and Wagering Amendment Bill 2026
Introduced by: Marie-Clare Boothby (CLP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
People face fines of up to 50 penalty units if they ignore a direction from the Commission.
New Commission members must sell their racing animals or interests within 20 business days of appointment.
The Commission can set rules for novelty wagers; it can also ban specific bets on sporting events.
The Director can investigate race clubs and race control bodies; the Director can also take disciplinary action against race clubs.
The Director determines and renews racecourse licences; renewal depends on financial sustainability and insurance.
The Minister can appoint the Director as the race control body for thoroughbred, harness, or greyhound racing if no other suitable body exists.
The Director can now investigate and research how the racing industry is run.
The Director can investigate race clubs and race control bodies.
The Director now manages applications for racecourse licences and can issue or renew them. To renew a licence, the Director must be sure the racecourse is financially sustainable and has the right insurance cover.
The Minister can appoint the Director as the race control body for thoroughbred, harness, or greyhound racing if no other suitable body exists.
People who want to make a complaint about a racecourse licence must lodge it with the Director.
New members of the Commission must sell any racing animals or interests in racing animals they own within 20 business days of being appointed.
People who fail to follow a direction from the Director can be fined up to 50 penalty units.