Queensland will combine the functions of Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission under a new hybrid governance structure, reshaping how the state manages racing administration, integrity and animal welfare.

The Crisafulli Government announced the change on September 23 as part of The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing. The reform will place functions currently divided between Racing Queensland and QRIC within a single structure while creating a Chief Integrity Officer role to oversee integrity and animal welfare matters independently.

Under the arrangement, the Chief Integrity Officer will hold the same standing as Racing Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer. The position will report directly to the Racing Minister and Racing Queensland Board, as well as a newly established board subcommittee responsible for integrity and animal welfare.

New Structure Expands Earlier Reform Proposal

The Queensland Government said the hybrid model aims to reduce duplicated functions and improve the industry’s efficiency. Racing Minister Tim Mander also linked the reform to the government’s goal of strengthening confidence in the racing sector.

“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,” Mander said in the government’s September 23 statement.

The latest model extends beyond the structure outlined when The Next Lap was released in December 2025. That earlier proposal called for QRIC’s non-core functions to move to Racing Queensland while retaining separate integrity responsibilities and an independent Commissioner of Stewards reporting to the minister.

QRIC has operated as an independent statutory body since 2016, following an inquiry into greyhound racing that found failures in industry self-regulation. Its responsibilities cover integrity and animal welfare across Queensland’s thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing sectors.

Questions about maintaining regulatory independence have accompanied discussions about the restructuring. QRIC deputy commissioner Kim Kelly resigned in July after raising concerns about proposals to transfer commission functions to Racing Queensland. He argued that reliance on the commercial body for services such as finance and staffing could affect perceptions of independence.

Mander told parliamentary estimates in July that the existing structure also required the government to provide additional funding to cover the operating costs of both organisations. He said the changes were intended to improve coordination while preserving integrity standards.

“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,” Mander said.

Wider Queensland Racing Changes Continue

The governance restructuring forms part of reforms following the Queensland Racing Review, which former Australian Turf Club chairman Matthew McGrath led. The review examined the state’s racing structure and operations, including integrity and animal welfare issues.

The government accepted 79 of the review’s 110 recommendations. McGrath later became chairman of Racing Queensland, placing him in a central role during implementation of the reform program. A new Racing Queensland board announced in March included members with experience across areas such as law, finance and racing integrity.

Racing Queensland is also searching internationally for a permanent chief executive. Acting CEO Lachlan Murray has confirmed that he intends to apply for the position while overseeing implementation work connected to the reform program.

The Next Lap also provides for a $200 million Racing Future Fund for infrastructure and includes measures affecting country racing and animal welfare. Legislative changes and further industry consultation form part of the wider program.

Mander said the government expects the revised governance arrangement to support the broader changes.

“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.”

South Australia Moves Toward Separate Integrity Body

Queensland’s announcement came on the same day South Australia outlined a different change to racing oversight. The South Australian Government said it would establish an independent integrity body after a review of the state’s greyhound racing reforms.

A 2023 independent inquiry led by former Victorian police commissioner Graham Ashton issued 87 recommendations, with Greyhound Racing SA responsible for 78. Former Victorian racing integrity commissioner Sal Perna monitored the implementation process and submitted his final 172-page report to the government on September 23.

Perna reported that GRSA had responded to 73 of its 78 recommendations, while five remained in progress. His report recommended that greyhound racing continue in South Australia and called for stronger oversight of animal welfare and integrity. The state government plans to introduce legislation supporting the new integrity body in 2027.

The Queensland model takes a different structural approach by bringing functions together within Racing Queensland while assigning independent oversight responsibilities to the new Chief Integrity Officer.