Review of Thoroughbred Racing Act
In September the NSW Government announced that former Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, would lead a review of the legislation that establishes Racing NSW. This was one of five recommendations that came out of a Parliamentary Inquiry into the proposed sale of Rosehill racecourse.
The deadline to make a submission to the review was Monday December 8 2025.
The Act, introduced in 1996, transferred the regulation of racing from the Australian Jockey Club (AJC), to what was first known as the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board and then became Racing NSW.
The Government has stated the review should consider the sustainability of the industry, horse and human welfare, as well as the integrity of racing.
Issues to be specifically looked at include:
- Governance structures and processes established under the Thoroughbred Racing Act, including appointments and board terms for directors.
- Transparency mechanisms under the Act, including the public release of information relating to Racing NSW’s commercial work and issues of public interest such as animal welfare and integrity.
- Stakeholder consultation and engagement with decision making.
- Initiatives to ensure the sustainability and viability of the industry, including in relation to regional NSW.
The Racing Reform Group NSW believes two critical topics have been excluded from the review: the industry’s funding model and the relationship between Racing NSW and the State Government.
We are petitioning Parliament to have these issues included and ask for your support in doing so. Please sign our petition by clicking on this link (the names of signatories are not publicly published).
We believe it is crucial Mr Hazzard be allowed to consider these matters. The funding model for racing has changed hugely since the Thoroughbred Act was written in 1996, as a result of which nearly all wagering revenue, along with funds from the Point of Consumption Tax, flow directly to Racing NSW, rather than the clubs.
Secondly, we do not believe the review can fully consider the governance structure and transparency mechanisms of Racing NSW without considering the organisation’s relationship with Parliament and the Racing Minister.
To learn more about the Hazzard Review – go to the Office of Racing site here. The site also has a discussion paper that provides lots of background on the review. Submission deadline has passed however you can still sign the petition.
Make a Submission
The NSW Government’s independent review, led by the Hon Brad Hazzard, is your chance to help shape the future of racing in our state.
Submissions allow participants, club members, and supporters to call for greater transparency, accountability, and balance in how Racing NSW is governed.
Make your voice count — it only takes a few minutes to complete an online submission, and every contribution helps strengthen the case for meaningful reform.
Note – submission deadline has now passed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Review
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1
Submissions are open until 5pm on Monday November 24.
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The Review is due to be handed to the government sometime in 2026.
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Those making submissions can ask for them to be kept confidential or allow for the review team to cite them in their report. Unlike the Rosehill Inquiry when all submissions were posted online (unless confidential), these representations will not be automatically posted online.
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Anyone visiting the review website (https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/tra-review) can upload a submission. Alternatively, the site also hosts an online questionnaire that allows for people to be heard in the process.
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Yes, absolutely. Anyone who wants to help shape the industry should participate and have their voice heard.
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The RRG believes the more submissions the better. Every participant will also have their own view on the performance of Racing NSW so it is important these are all heard.
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Yes, the RRG will make a detailed submission, once we’ve had a chance to consult broadly. Join our mailing list to learn more about this submission.
Join the Movement
Every voice counts. Whether you are a club member, a trainer, an owner, punter, employee or simply a fan of racing, you can make a difference by staying informed and connected.
Join our mailing list to receive updates, learn how to make submissions to the Hazard Review, and access resources to contact your local Member of Parliament.
Together we can ensure that racing in NSW remains a sport guided by integrity, not influence.
Contact us at: admin@reformnswracing.org
