The Racing NSW board is governed by Public Service Commission appointment standards,which notes members’ tenures should not exceed 10 years – unless change would be contrary to the public interest - because there are benefits in renewal. At state-owned corporations,board members are allowed a maximum of two three-year terms.
On Monday,Racing Minister David Harris confirmed the reappointment,which will need to be passed by parliament by the end of the year.
He claimed the statutory authority governing a $3.3 billion industry needed continuity and corporate stability to deal with challenges such as changing betting rules,animal welfare standards and the building of country racetracks.
“I want that knowledge focussed on negotiating a pathway to continued financial sustainability through emerging economic headwinds,” he said. Racing NSW is locked in court battle with Racing Victoria,which it alleges is engaged in anticompetitive behaviour designed to limit competition in the racing industry.
However,influential Magic Millions co-owner and Harvey Norman chief executive Katie Page said the extension raised governance questions.
“I don’t know Russell and I’m sure he’s a really good chair,but it’s unusual for a tenure of that sort of position to be extended multiple times,” Page told theHerald. “There are so many experienced people that could be refreshing the board. “Government,as I understand,sets the tenure. I think it’s the right thing to follow what has already been legislated.”