❓ The Minister expresses concern for the future of racing in WA, particularly in non-metropolitan areas like the Avon Valley. He highlights a government initiative to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia to benefit the industry and addresses a specific dispute involving the York Beverley Turf Club.
AnsweredQoN 179Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Does the minister support the view that there should be a reduction in the number of country race clubs and country race meetings? (2) If so, why? (3) Is the minister concerned that the future of racing in the Avon Valley, and York in particular, appears to be under threat? (4) If so, what does he propose to do about it? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
(2) If so, why? (3) Is the minister concerned that the future of racing in the Avon Valley, and York in particular, appears to be under threat? (4) If so, what does he propose to do about it? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
(3) Is the minister concerned that the future of racing in the Avon Valley, and York in particular, appears to be under threat? (4) If so, what does he propose to do about it? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
(4) If so, what does he propose to do about it? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
(1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
(2) If so, why? (3) Is the minister concerned that the future of racing in the Avon Valley, and York in particular, appears to be under threat? (4) If so, what does he propose to do about it? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
(3) Is the minister concerned that the future of racing in the Avon Valley, and York in particular, appears to be under threat? (4) If so, what does he propose to do about it? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
(4) If so, what does he propose to do about it? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
(1)-(4) I am very concerned about the future of racing in Western Australia, including non-metropolitan areas and the Avon Valley. I am very concerned that all components of racing in Western Australia should have a good future. That is why the Government announced an initiative a few months ago that I trust will shortly lead to legislation and which I hope will have the support of all members of the House. The Government proposes to establish Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which, among other things, will take over the principal club functions of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Western Australian Trotting Association. That will enable the racing industry to be run for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I am aware of a reported conflict between the WATC and, I think, the York Beverley Turf Club on dates and the safety of the track. I have been contacted by a life member of the York Beverley Turf Club, who raised his concerns with me. The Leader of the House, Hon Kim Chance, has raised these issues with me in writing. I have also been contacted by the Leader of the National Party. The relevant legislation is the Racing Restriction Act 1917. The Act provides for the licensing of race dates by the Western Australian Turf Club. I will deal with the racing industry rather than the trotting industry, but the Act contains a mirror provision for the WATA. Under the current law, the Western Australian Turf Club has the power to license race dates. However, the Act provides that the minister can intervene in some circumstances, such as when a change in metropolitan dates causes a change to what usually occurs as a matter of custom in non-metropolitan racing programs. These expressions are defined in the Act. If a dispute arises under those circumstances, the minister can be involved and can provide direction as he sees fit. I agree with the advice I have received on the situation involving the York Beverley Turf Club, which is to the effect that the dispute does not come under the provision I have described in the Act. Therefore, it is not a matter that comes within my power. In terms of the future resolution of these matters, I am confident that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will have the capacity and, I trust, the will to deal with such matters in the interests of the industry as a whole. I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
I do not want to take up the time of the House for too long, but I should point out that there is currently a dispute between the Country Trotting Association and the Western Australian Trotting Association. I am advised that a meeting will take place next week, which may well resolve the dispute. I hope that occurs, because ministerial intervention in these matters should be avoided if possible.
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Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.