Queensland racing commission proposal rejected

Press, 14 April 1988, Page 31

Queensland racing commission proposal rejected

N’ZPA-AAP Brisbane

A proposal to set up a racing commission for Queensland’s multimillion dollar racing 7 industry has been rejected. But the industry’s appeals procedure will undergo a. streamlined restructuring. State Racing Minister, Jim Randell, announced the move yesterday after: studying submissions for' and against the racing I commission proposal. Mr Randall said that while those pushing for a racing commission to be established had been vocal "I have not been persuaded to their point of view.” “I don’t believe the establishment: of yet another government quango is the

answer to any or all of the problems which the racing industry' has," he said. "Frankly, I regard any claim that it could be as rather simplistic and naive."

He said some of the arguments advanced in favour of a commission had nor borne any serious consideration.

“After weighing the arguments for and against a racing commission, I have come to the view the basic existing structure of the industry’s administration is sound,” Mr Randell said. I . •

“It should be noted both the harness racing industry and j the greyhound racing industry, are ■ both governed by ! statutory boards yet they! still have their fair share of internal

problems. i “Obviously/only mutual goodwill and- co-operation is, the answer to solving any perceived difficulty in any industry."

[The minister said he had informed principal clubs he intended to press ahead with a streamlined restructuring of the industry’s appeals procedure which he said was cumbersome.

“I have been pleased with the response from the principal clubs in that regard,” he said.

I “Theyj have realised' everthihg in the garden is, not rosy and some very: careful! thoughtl needs to; be given to how profes-! sional relationships within the ' industry are improved.”