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WA Racing Industry Under Independent Review Amid Governance Concerns

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 4:30 GMT by The West Australian

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WA Racing Faces Scrutiny: Independent Review Launched Amidst Mounting Concerns

The Western Australian government has initiated an independent review into the state’s racing industry, acknowledging widespread concerns about governance, integrity, and financial sustainability. The move, announced by Racing and Gaming Minister Tony Buti on May 16th, 2024, follows months of escalating criticism directed at Racing WA (RWWA), the governing body responsible for thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing in the state. The review aims to comprehensively assess RWWA’s performance and recommend significant reforms to restore public confidence and ensure a viable future for the industry.

A Cascade of Criticism Fuels the Need for Change

The decision to launch this review wasn't taken lightly. It comes after a sustained period of intense scrutiny and criticism leveled at RWWA from various stakeholders, including trainers, owners, jockeys, breeders, and even parliamentarians. These concerns aren’t isolated incidents; they represent a systemic breakdown in trust and effectiveness.

Key issues driving the review include allegations of poor communication, inconsistent decision-making, perceived bias in disciplinary matters, and a lack of transparency regarding financial management. The recent controversy surrounding the handling of trainer Darren McAuliffe's disqualification (detailed further in The West Australian’s reporting) served as a particularly potent catalyst for action. McAuliffe was initially disqualified for six months after an investigation into cobalt use, but this was later reduced to a fine and no suspension following appeals and legal challenges. This outcome highlighted perceived inconsistencies in the application of rules and raised serious questions about RWWA’s integrity processes.

Beyond individual cases, broader concerns exist regarding RWWA's financial management. The industry has faced declining revenue streams, particularly from wagering, impacting prize money and the overall health of racing clubs. There are accusations that RWWA hasn't adequately addressed these challenges or explored alternative funding models. The review will undoubtedly examine RWWA’s budgeting practices, investment strategies, and its ability to secure sustainable income for the future.

Scope and Composition of the Independent Review

Minister Buti emphasized the independence of the review process, stating that it would be conducted by a panel of experts with no prior involvement in the racing industry. The panel is expected to deliver its findings and recommendations within six months. While the specific names of the reviewers haven't been publicly released as of this writing (as noted in The West Australian article), Minister Buti assured that they possess “extensive experience” and a “deep understanding of governance, risk management, and regulatory frameworks.”

The review’s terms of reference are broad, encompassing several critical areas:

• Governance Structure: A thorough examination of RWWA's board composition, decision-making processes, and accountability mechanisms. This includes assessing whether the current structure is fit for purpose and if it adequately represents the interests of all stakeholders.
• Integrity & Compliance: A deep dive into RWWA’s integrity operations, including its ability to detect and deter illegal activities such as doping, betting corruption, and animal welfare concerns. This will likely involve scrutiny of investigative procedures, disciplinary processes, and relationships with law enforcement agencies.
• Financial Sustainability: An assessment of RWWA's financial performance, revenue streams, expenditure management, and long-term viability. This includes exploring potential alternative funding models and strategies to attract investment.
• Stakeholder Engagement: An evaluation of how effectively RWWA communicates with and engages stakeholders across the racing industry. The review will likely consider feedback mechanisms and identify areas for improvement in transparency and consultation.
• Racing Rules & Regulations: A review of the rules governing all three codes – thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound – to ensure they are fair, consistent, and aligned with best practice internationally.

Potential Outcomes and Industry Reactions

The launch of this independent review has been met with a mixture of cautious optimism and guarded hope from within the racing industry. Many stakeholders believe that significant change is necessary to restore confidence and secure the future of WA racing. Trainers, in particular, have expressed frustration over perceived inconsistencies in rule enforcement and a lack of support from RWWA.

The review’s findings could lead to sweeping reforms, potentially including:

• Changes to RWWA's Board: New appointments or structural changes to ensure greater independence and expertise on the board.
• Strengthened Integrity Measures: Increased investment in integrity resources, enhanced surveillance technology, and stricter penalties for rule breaches.
• Financial Restructuring: Implementation of new funding models, cost-cutting measures, and strategies to attract wagering revenue.
• Improved Communication & Transparency: Enhanced communication channels between RWWA and stakeholders, along with greater transparency regarding decision-making processes.

However, some within the industry have expressed concerns about the potential disruption caused by such a significant review. The process itself could be time-consuming and costly, and any resulting changes may face resistance from those who benefit from the status quo.

Looking Ahead

The independent review represents a critical juncture for the Western Australian racing industry. The government’s willingness to initiate this process demonstrates an acknowledgement of the serious challenges facing the sector. Whether the review's recommendations are embraced and implemented effectively will ultimately determine whether WA racing can regain its reputation, financial stability, and public support. The next six months promise a period of intense scrutiny and potential transformation for one of Western Australia’s most iconic industries.

Note: This summary incorporates information from The West Australian articles linked within the original article to provide greater context and detail.