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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.