Queensland Government Restructures Racing Governance by Merging Racing Queensland and Integrity Commission

The Queensland Government has announced a structural reform that will merge the functions of Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission into a single hybrid model.

Unveiled as part of the state’s broader “The Next Lap” racing reform plan, the initiative aims to eliminate operational duplication while safeguarding independent oversight for animal welfare and industry integrity across the thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound codes.

Under the updated governance framework, a newly created chief integrity officer within Racing Queensland will maintain independent oversight of racing integrity.

This executive position will hold equal standing to the organisation’s chief executive and report directly to the racing minister, the Racing Queensland board, and a dedicated board subcommittee. The restructuring marks a shift from the government’s previous December 2025 proposal, which originally intended to transfer only non-core functions while retaining a separate commissioner of stewards.

Highlighting the scale and importance of the sector, Racing Minister, Hon. Tim Mander, said: “The racing industry is vital for Queensland, contributing more than $2.5 billion per year into our economy and responsible for around 14,000 jobs across the state and that’s why we’re delivering a plan for the future of the industry.” 

The reform addresses long-standing financial sustainability concerns and operational duplication between the state’s commercial sporting administration and its independent statutory regulator, which was originally established in 2016 following an inquiry into industry self-regulation failures.

Minister Mander further noted overhaul of the organisation.

“It’s imperative that we have a progressive and efficient governance model in place to continue to grow the industry for communities throughout Queensland, while ensuring animal welfare is at the heart of all decision-making.”

“By amalgamating Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission and establishing a chief integrity officer, we can maintain clear lines of accountability while reducing operational duplication.

“This will not only help to make the industry more efficient and effective, it will greatly increase sustainability, public confidence and confidence within the industry,” Hon. Mander said.

Further legislative amendments and industry consultations will roll out over the coming months to formalise the transition.

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