RACING SERVICES TASMANIA
The focus of this Output Group is the regulation and direction of horse racing, greyhound racing and betting by and with bookmakers. Racing Services Tasmania administers the Racing Act 1983, and those sections of the Racing Regulation Act 1952 relating to racing and bookmaker betting activities, in order to maintain the probity and integrity of the racing industry.

Outputs within this Group include:

administering, on behalf of the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council, Tasmanian Harness Racing Council and Tasmanian Greyhound Racing Council (as constituted under the Racing Act 1983):

registration and licensing of persons engaged or employed in connection with the racing industry;

registration of horses and greyhounds for the purposes of horse racing and greyhound racing; and

registration of all other matters as required by the Rules of Racing

ensuring that horse and greyhound racing, and race related activities, are conducted in a safe and fair manner

registering race clubs and racecourses

registering bookmakers and their clerks

industry training (supervising, coordinating and setting standards in respect of the training and welfare of apprentice jockeys, junior drivers and other persons)

providing administrative support for the Tasmanian Racing Appeal Board

providing policy advice to Government

monitoring compliance with legislation and Rules of Racing

Appropriate performance measures are in the process of being developed in conjunction with the whole of DIER and implementation of the Divisional Plan.

Key clients
Key clients include Government, code councils, race clubs, industry bodies and participants, and the Tasmanian Racing Appeal Board.

How this Output Group is delivered
The Outputs are delivered through the efforts of the Division's officers in close consultation with the code councils, TOTE Tasmania, race clubs and industry representative bodies. There is also regular liaison with other Divisions of the Department and relevant Government agencies.

Achievements Against Strategies Identified for 2002/2003

Appropriate Regulatory Framework
The primary strategy identified for this issue was the repeal and replacement of the current legislation. The Racing Regulation Act 1952 (formerly the Racing and Gaming Act 1952) contains a variety of regulatory approaches that have been implemented and amended over a period of almost 50 years. It is difficult to interpret, which directly affects the day-to-day activities of a wide range of industry participants.

A detailed review of the Act has been completed and a review of the Regulations is underway. Government approval for the redrafting of the legislation has been received and is progressing. As the legislation is deemed to have a significant impact on competition, a Regulatory Impact Statement has been prepared.
The new legislation, including an updated set of regulations, should be completed during the 2003 Spring Session of Parliament.

Integrity Control in the Racing Industry
A drop in the level of integrity control would result in a loss of confidence in Tasmanian racing, which in turn would have an adverse effect on industry income streams.

Stipendiary stewards are at the front line in ensuring the probity of racing operations. They need a wide range of skills in order to carry out the many facets of their role. Traditionally, all training for stewards has been provided on-the-job. As there are currently no formal training courses available elsewhere, officers of the Division utilise a training program developed in-house.

The possibility of developing a national stewards' training package has been raised with Racing Training Australia and remains under investigation.

Licensing and Registration in the Racing Industry
A major part of the racing industry integrity control system involves the licensing and registration of industry participants. Although the level of assurance as to the competence and suitability of licence applicants must be maintained at a high level, the control system should not act as a disincentive to participation by appropriately qualified people.
Strong emphasis is placed on making the licensing process more customer focused. The streamlining of procedures which began in 1999/2000 has been continued. Measures have been put in place to provide assistance to all applicants, upon request, to work with them towards the granting of a licence.

Vocational Training Opportunities for Racing Industry Personnel
Racing Training Tasmania [RTT] is an advisory body to the Director of Racing in the discharge of his responsibilities pursuant to section 5(3)(b) of the Racing Act 1983 in relation to industry training. RTT comprises representatives from two of the three code councils, Industry Training Advisory Board, TAFE Tasmania, Office of Post Compulsory Education and Training, and TOTE Tasmania.

The role of RTT is to focus on policy matters and the ongoing development of the Racing Training Package, including provision of input to national forums. During the reporting period a major review of the Package was completed, with Tasmania participating as a member of the steering committee.

The implementation of the Package and other matters specific to a code are the responsibility of the particular code council.

The extension of RTT's role, beyond that of a liaison body, to encompass the promotion of the Package will continue to be deferred until funding becomes available.

Relocation
During the reporting period, the decision to relocate the Divisional office to Government-owned premises (Henty House) was made. Contracts were let for the construction works in the latter part of the period, with works scheduled for completion in late July 2003.

Additional Achievements for 2002/2003

Apprentice Jockeys
The Tasmanian racing industry was fortunate enough, and honoured, to have two apprentice jockeys, indentured with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, placed on loan for a period of 12 months, with trainers in Tasmania. Terry Wong and Ernest Chan were placed in the care of Leon Wells (Devonport) and Gary White (Hobart), respectively.

The new initiative followed an expression of interest by the Hong Kong Jockey Club [HKJC] early in 2002. The HKJC considered our racing environment ideal for the placement of apprentices and the Tasmanian racing industry was more than willing to enter into the arrangement. There are benefits for both jurisdictions - the Hong Kong apprentices are provided with opportunities early in their riding career and Tasmania benefits by having more apprentices available. HKJC officials are satisfied with their progress and they have indicated their desire to continue the arrangement in the future.

On behalf of Racing Services Tasmania, the Chairman of Stewards Thoroughbred, Mr Johan Petzer, has been heavily involved in facilitating this cross jurisdictional placement, which has provided a boost for the local industry and places Tasmanian thoroughbred racing on the international stage. In the meantime local apprentice numbers are holding steady and new apprentices filtering in.

Statistical Information

BOOKMAKERS
There were 15 bookmakers registered during the 2002/03 racing season, including four partnerships. Three bookmaking operations were licensed to conduct on-course telephone betting.

Bookmakers Holdings 

   
Licensing and Registration

    
       
* Recording of separate statistics commenced 1/8/02 
       
Registrations Processed

 Appeals

* Figures in ( ) brackets indicate appeals lodged in the previous season but dealt with in subsequent reporting period.