Wednesday, 17 June 2026

 Tim BULL (Gippsland East) (14:47): It is a pleasure to resume my contribution. When we went to lunch I was talking about the fact that we have in New South Wales an inquiry going on that has as one of its terms of reference to directly to look at and review racing integrity. I note in my discussions with the minister – I am sure he will not mind me saying this – that there is I guess a concession that should that come out on time – and that will only be a couple of weeks away, if it comes out on time – that we will have an opportunity to review that between houses and see if there is anything that is pertinent to Victoria.

In finishing up this contribution, given that it is on racing, it is a great industry. It is an industry that I have certainly been involved with for a long time, originally as a part-time employee. I spent 10 years on a racing club committee, and I have been in a few racehorses over the journey. Tomorrow I have a clash with question time because I have a horse running at Moe, having its first start for us. I hope that it can get over the line. If you hear a little cheer in question time, Speaker, that might mean that it has won. Another one goes in on Saturday at Flemington and then one is in at Ballarat on Sunday. It will all happening in the next few days. I give a shout-out to the member for Morwell, who recently sold the horse that he had a share in, and it has gone to Queensland and looks like it is going to be pretty good – after he has got out of it. That is a bit disappointing for him, but we are getting a bit of fun and humour out of that.

In winding up on this bill, I just want to reflect on a couple of things that I mentioned before we broke for lunch. The amendment to move the board that was originally the Victorian Racing Integrity Board into the racing integrity commissioner’s office and increase it from three to five members is a welcome amendment. We also are pleased that the industry will not have to fund any more than it currently does in its contribution to racing integrity, noting that it funds $9 million or $10 million itself through its own stewards network and internal integrity, but this is from an oversight perspective. That is very, very important, as is the concession that we will have a look at the Hazzard report that comes out of New South Wales.

If there are any changes – the racing industry has had bipartisan support on bills that pass through this chamber, and we do have open discussion and open dialogue – I am sure that we can discuss any findings of that report that are pertinent to our jurisdiction and implement them should they be needed between chambers. I know our side of politics and the new shadow minister will be very happy to have those discussions and work with the current minister, as we have done in the past. With those amendments and those commitments, we wish to bill a speedy passage through this chamber.

 Michaela SETTLE (Eureka – Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Agriculture) (14:51): I move:

That the debate be now adjourned.

Motion agreed to and debate adjourned.

Ordered that debate be adjourned until later this day.