Media Statement: Qld Racing Wrecked
The Brisbane Racing Club has today slammed the passing of new Racing laws in State Parliament as a death knell for communities throughout Queensland.
Since this legislation was introduced into State Parliament the Brisbane Racing Club has time and again called on Minister Lawlor to consult with more stakeholders than those hand-picked to sit on the new Board of Racing Queensland.
"There has been no consultation with racing clubs or industry participants, the new law has no accountability and there is no compensation," Chairman of Brisbane Racing Club Kevin Dixon said.
"This is not a fight from the Brisbane Racing Club – thousands of people throughout Queensland are up in arms.
"Even the Government's own Scrutiny of Legislation Committee report this week highlighted flaw after flaw in the new legislations and clearly states that it will impact the rights of individuals, employees and current clubs.
"Mark my words, clubs which are at the heart beat of communities will fold through fund starvation, if they don't adhere to the draconian wishes of Racing Queensland.
"With Minister Lawlor now wiping his hands of the racing industry, who can thoroughbred, harness and greyhound clubs turn to?
"The total Queensland racing industry and the enormous amount of economic turnover it creates, its assets and its thousands of jobs, should not be controlled by a small unaccountable body who from time to time inhabits Deagon and reports to no one.
"History tells us that absolute power breeds absolute corruption. This new law gifts absolute power."
The Brisbane Racing Club welcomes the announcement that the Liberal National Party if elected, will immediately dismantle this flawed and undemocratic legislation and put control of racing back into the hands of industry participants for the betterment and development of a fruitful racing industry into Queensland's future.
