❓ Question regarding the Department's oversight of motorcycle activity at Barbagallo Raceway after a safety report, and the Department's involvement in risk assessments. The Department asserts it has no regulatory control but facilitated the safety report and continues to work with stakeholders.
AnsweredQoN 4016Legislative Assembly
Asked
12 September 2018
Member
Portfolio
Seniors and Ageing; Volunteering; Sport and Recreation
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the return of motorcycle activity at Barbagallo Raceway on 24 August 2018, when the West Australian Sporting Car Club (WASCC) engaged Track Action to conduct a recreational motorcycle training and track day, and I ask: (a) Were the Minister and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries informed and consulted by the WASCC prior to its decision to host this event; (b) If yes to (a), given that the recommendations of the Wanneroo Safety Enhancement Options Identification and Assessment report by Hall Technical have not been met in full (as acknowledged by the WASCC): (i) What actions did the Department take in responding to the WASCC's decision to engage Track Action and host the event; (ii) Was the Department aware if a risk assessment process was undertaken and a report prepared for the event which contributed to the basis of the decision-making; (iii) If yes to (ii): (A) Was the Department involved in the risk assessment process; (B) If yes to (A), was the Department satisfied that the preventative and mitigative measures were implemented to manage the risks associated with a motorcycle training and track day in light of the findings and recommendations in the Hall Technical report; and (C) If no to (A), why was the Department not involved in the risk assessment process, especially after its decision in 2016 to instruct the WASCC to cease motorcycle activity at the Barbagallo Raceway; (iv) If no to (ii): (A) What methods and standards were used to ensure the safety of the event for all involved; and (B) Was the Department involved in this process and satisfied that the event complied with relevant safety standards; (c) If no to (a), how is the Department overseeing the WASCC's decisions in relation to motorcycle activity following the findings and recommendations of the Hall Technical report?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 October 2018
Responded by
Minister for Seniors and Ageing; Volunteering; Sport and Recreation
Response time
9 days
The Department advised the WASCC to ensure appropriate due diligence and risk management had been undertaken.
The Department was verbally advised by the WASCC that a risk assessment process had been undertaken however the WASCC has not provided copies.
To assist all parties with an interest in the operations of Barbagallo Raceway in understanding the risks posed by the operation of the Raceway in light of safety incidents, the Department facilitated the production of a technical report into those risks (the Hall Technical Report). The report was provided to the stakeholders pointing out the report’s conclusions in relation to particular risks.
The Department is neither the owner of the Raceway nor a regulator of racing activities there. It has no role in licensing the activities and has no factual or legal control over the operations which WASCC or Motorcycling Australia choose to conduct or permit at the Raceway. This was confirmed in a letter I wrote to the WASCC confirming that responsibility for all sanctioning and licensing processes (liability) for motorcycle racing is the responsibility of the club.
The WASCC did not extend an invitation to the Department to participate in its risk assessment process and was not legally obliged to do so.
The Department continues to work with the WASCC and Motorcycling WA to facilitate the return of motorcycling to Barbagallo Raceway. The Department is also working with the City of Wanneroo, as the lessor, to improve the governance and reporting requirements within the lease between the City and WASCC. I am happy to offer a briefing if you would like one.
The Department was verbally advised by the WASCC that a risk assessment process had been undertaken however the WASCC has not provided copies.
To assist all parties with an interest in the operations of Barbagallo Raceway in understanding the risks posed by the operation of the Raceway in light of safety incidents, the Department facilitated the production of a technical report into those risks (the Hall Technical Report). The report was provided to the stakeholders pointing out the report’s conclusions in relation to particular risks.
The Department is neither the owner of the Raceway nor a regulator of racing activities there. It has no role in licensing the activities and has no factual or legal control over the operations which WASCC or Motorcycling Australia choose to conduct or permit at the Raceway. This was confirmed in a letter I wrote to the WASCC confirming that responsibility for all sanctioning and licensing processes (liability) for motorcycle racing is the responsibility of the club.
The WASCC did not extend an invitation to the Department to participate in its risk assessment process and was not legally obliged to do so.
The Department continues to work with the WASCC and Motorcycling WA to facilitate the return of motorcycling to Barbagallo Raceway. The Department is also working with the City of Wanneroo, as the lessor, to improve the governance and reporting requirements within the lease between the City and WASCC. I am happy to offer a briefing if you would like one.
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