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RACING RESTRICTION BILL 2003
Introduction and First Reading
Bill introduced, on motion by Mr E.S. Ripper (Treasurer), and read a first time.
Second Reading
MR E.S. RIPPER (Belmont - Treasurer) [10.55 am]: I move -
That the Bill be now read a second time.
The Racing Restriction Bill 2003, like the Racing and Gambling Legislation Amendment
and Repeal Bill 2003, complements the Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Bill 2003. The Racing Restriction Bill is primarily a redraft of the Racing
Restriction Act 1917. It stipulates that no thoroughbred, harness or greyhound
race for a stake or prize or for the purpose of betting may be held unless the
race is licensed by Racing and Wagering Western Australia and is held at a racecourse
that is licensed by Racing and Wagering Western Australia.
The Bill maintains the present authority in the 1917 Act for the minister to
issue a direction to the relevant controlling authority, which will now be Racing
and Wagering Western Australia, arising from a dispute over any proposed change
to the program of thoroughbred or harness race meetings customarily conducted
in the metropolitan area that may necessitate a reduction in the number of thoroughbred
or harness race meetings conducted outside the metropolitan area.
The Racing Restriction Bill 2003 also implements a national competition policy review recommendation to provide for the establishment, with the approval of the minister, of an approved racing organisation as the controlling authority for horseracing that is not thoroughbred racing or harness racing. Under the provisions of the Bill, an organisation may apply to the minister to be designated an approved racing organisation if the organisation -
is a body corporate;
has the capacity to hold horse or pony races for a stake or prize or for the
purpose of betting; and
has the capacity to meet the requirements prescribed by the regulations.
The minister may approve an applicant as an approved racing organisation if
the minister is satisfied that -
the applicant meets the eligibility requirements;
the rules provided by the applicant in relation to the control of racing are
suitable; and
it is not contrary to the public interest to do so.
In determining whether it is contrary to the public interest to approve an
applicant as an approved racing organisation, the Bill provides that the minister
may have regard to the capacity of the applicant to control races held by it
and to conduct the races honestly and free from criminal influence. I commend
the Bill to the House.
Debate adjourned, on motion by Mr J.L. Bradshaw.