Racing legislation introduced

13/3/03
The Government's legislation for the reform of the State's racing industry was introduced in the Legislative Assembly today.
The principal Bill, the Racing and Wagering Western Australia Bill 2003, merges the Totalisator Agency Board of Western Australia with the new governing body, to be known as Racing and Wagering Western Australia.
It also transfers the Principal Club status from the Western Australian Turf Club, Western Australian Trotting Association and Western Australian Greyhound Racing Authority to RWWA, which will now control the three racing codes.
Three other Bills were introduced and read a first time. They are:

• the Racing and Gambling Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2003;
• the Racing Restriction Acts Bill 2003; and
• the Racing and Wagering Western Australia Tax Bill 2003.

The Racing and Gambling Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2003 amends legislation which will merge the WA Betting Control Board with the Gaming Commission of WA, abolish the Racecourse Development Trust and provide for transitional matters related to the RWWA Bill 2003.
The Racing Restriction Bill 2003 replaces the 1917 and 1927 Racing Restriction Acts and the RWWA Tax Bill 2003 replaces the TAB Betting Tax Act 1960.
The Government hopes the legislation will be passed in time for the new body to take the reins of the billion-dollar WA racing industry on August 1 this year.
Minister's office: 9222 8950