An independent racing integrity body appears inevitable, Victoria's racing minister says.
All three Victorian racing codes - greyhounds, thoroughbreds and harness - are subject to inquiries and audits, with Racing Minister Martin Pakula saying he is awaiting the results of those reviews before making a decision.
"In my view, the movement to a more independent integrity regime is probably inevitable," Mr Pakula told reporters after the release of interim reports on live baiting in the greyhound industry.
"Before I make decisions that might potentially impact on all three codes, I'm going to wait for those reports to come in."
Victorian racing integrity commissioner Sal Perna and chief veterinary officer Dr Charles Milne are investigating the use of live animals to train greyhounds, Racing Victoria is investigating positive swabs for cobalt returned by horses prepared by four Victorian trainers, and an audit of Harness Racing Victoria is under way.
Mr Perna wants an independent integrity watchdog covering all three racing codes.
"I just think that the integrity part of it, and I now think the welfare part of that, should work together and they should be independent," he said.
"Perception is very important in this industry because it relies on public confidence and I think you have to reinforce the public confidence that everything is above board and everything that can is being done by having an independent unit."
With investigations into the alleged use of live baiting in Victoria, NSW and Queensland, Mr Perna said a national approach was needed.
"I find it really difficult to understand why you need a set of national rules and a set of local rules," he said.
"That leads to some lack of clarity about their application and lack of consistency and lack of effectiveness."
The RSPCA also wants an independent body to oversee the regulation of the greyhound racing industry, while the Greens say Greyhound Racing Victoria is conflicted and the industry's regulatory and promotional functions need to be separated.
Share
