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Mr GEORGE SOURIS: My question is directed to the Minister for Gaming and Racing.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! The House will come to order.
Mr GEORGE SOURIS: Is the Minister aware that ICAC has no jurisdiction over Racing New South Wales and that Racing New South Wales, under which authority racing stewards operate, cannot investigate itself? Given that the Minister's answer yesterday demonstrates that he clearly has no knowledge of his governing Act, will he now appoint an independent judicial inquiry to investigate allegations of illegality by the Chief Steward aired on Channel Nine's Sunday program?
Mr GRANT McBRIDE: I congratulate George on asking his question. He has asked two questions in 12 months. The average has gone through the roof! That makes possibly five questions during a four-year period. At that rate I think he most probably will win the bottom of the pool. Allegations raised on the Sunday program regarding the taping of a conversation between Racing New South Wales Chief Steward Mr Ray Murrihy and a racing journalist relate to a conversation from 10 years ago in Queensland. At that time Mr Murrihy was the Chief Steward in that State. The allegations do not relate to his current position. With respect to the procedures adopted by Racing New South Wales stewards, Racing New South Wales has today responded to my department, advising:
I am writing in response to your inquiries regarding the issues raised in a story on the racing industry on Channel 9 on Sunday, 3 September 2006.
The policies and procedures observed by Racing NSW Stewards with respect to the conduct of interviews and inquiries have recently been the subject of scrutiny and comment.
Consistent with long-standing practices, all official interviews and inquiries before the Stewards are recorded. This recording may be made by the use of an audio device or otherwise.
The objective in recording such interviews or inquiries is to ensure that all parties have access to a transcript of the proceedings. This provides a degree of protection to any person involved, particularly Licensed Persons, and ensures that any subsequent review of a decision by the Stewards by an appeals body can refer to the transcript where necessary.
Racing NSW has received preliminary advice to the effect that the policies and procedures adopted by its Stewards conform to all relevant legal requirements.
However, in recognition of its role as a responsible regulator and so as to ensure the integrity of the process, Racing NSW will now commission an independent review of its policies and procedures to ensure that all persons involved in an interview or inquiries before the Stewards can be confident that their legal rights are both respected and upheld.