Racing Minister Tim Mander’s promise: I will release Queensland Racing Review report

Some previous reviews into elements of Sunshine State’s racing industry have been shrouded in secrecy, with a $510,000 KPMG report into the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission seemingly vanishing into thin air.

The report, which was handed to the previous Queensland State Government and then Racing Minister Grace Grace in May last year, has never been seen by the public.

The David Crisafulli Government took power in October last year and commissioned a racing review and there is currently a discussion paper open for submissions.

The deadline for feedback has now been extended until April 7, in a bid to encourage more than the 480 submissions received so far.

Mander told The Sunday Mail that he would release the final report once it is completed.

“Once the review is completed, we will release the report,” Mander said.

“Unlike the former Labor government, we are not going to spend $500,000 on a report and keep it secret.

“I am thrilled with the response to the Racing Review so far.

“The Crisafulli Government’s aim is to pave the way toward a successful, long-term future for Queensland racing.

“To achieve this, we need to see several things including a financially sustainable racing model, support for country racing, fit for purpose infrastructure statewide and enhanced integrity and animal welfare standards.

“That is why I have made the decision to extend the consultation period to midnight on April 7.”

Racing Queensland currently has an acting CEO, Lachlan Murray, after popular CEO Jason Scott decided to resign.

Scott has taken control of the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club ahead of the anticipated opening of “The Q” in May.

The Sunday Mail asked Mander when a new RQ CEO would be able to be appointed, given uncertainty over whether there was the potential to split the current three-code model of racing in Queensland.

Champion trainer Tony Gollan has previously told The Sunday Mail that the Queensland Government should blow up the system which sees one CEO responsible for thoroughbreds, greyhounds and harness racing which all fall under the RQ umbrella.

Mander, a former NRL referee, said: “I want to assure the industry that the functions of Racing Queensland and QRIC will not change during this review process.

“The Racing Queensland board has appointed an acting CEO and any announcements regarding a permanent appointment will be made in due course.”

A major issue for racing in South East Queensland, at least for premier club the Brisbane Racing Club, is Eagle Farm’s dilapidated John Power grandstand.

An August 2026 deadline has been set for the redevelopment of the grandstand with BRC boss Karl deKroo warning Queensland’s racing headquarters risks falling into “wrack and ruin” within the next two years if significant upgrades aren’t undertaken.

Asked about the issue and whether racing needed world-class facilities to attract new people, Mander said: “We want to ensure modern and fit for purpose racing infrastructure is in place across the entire state.

“I have spoken to the BRC and Racing Queensland regarding the Eagle Farm grandstand and we will continue to engage with them.”

Originally published as Racing Minister Tim Mander’s promise: I will release Queensland Racing Review report