Balding replacement process set to start
The search will soon begin to find a replacement for long-serving Racing NSW chair Russell Balding after a bitter feud across the political and racing spheres saw the state government last week dramatically abandon its legislation in an early morning session of Parliament.
The legislation, if passed, would have allowed Balding to remain on the board for a record 14 years, but the backflip by the Minns Labor government following weeks of intense lobbying and muckraking from within the industry and from both sides of the chamber has forced the director to retire as of December 18.
Late yesterday, Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said Dr Saranne Cooke, who will bring up eight years of service on the Racing NSW board later this month, has been granted a further two-year extension to her term.
Her reappointment will allow the state’s thoroughbred governing body to have a quorum at board meetings and ensure the continuation of the functions of Racing NSW.
“The reappointment of Dr Cooke will ensure the board can continue to make decisions and operate normally while the selection process for a new chair is under way,” Harris said.
An expression of interest and a selection process to fill the vacancy on the Racing NSW board created by the outgoing Balding will begin later this month.
“This will include the establishment of a selection panel in accordance with the legislation, with a publicly advertised call for expressions of interest,” the Minister said.
“The role of the selection panel is to prepare and provide me with a list of candidates based on merit and relevant experience.”
Harris thanked Balding for his contribution to the racing industry.
“The board, led by Mr Balding, has successfully guided the industry and helped position NSW as the leading racing state, with new marquee events such as The Everest, a revitalised spring carnival and record prize-money to participants,” Harris said.
“[Balding’s] legacy is a revitalised racing industry in NSW that this government will continue to support.”
The Racing NSW powerplay saw thoroughbred industry heavyweights John Messara, Gai Waterhouse and businesswoman Katie Page speak out against Balding being granted a third extension, leading to the state opposition making amendments that would have subjected the racing regulator to budget estimates hearings and audits by the state auditor general.
Voted on by the opposition with the support of the Greens and the Animal Justice Party on the crossbench in the Upper House, Labor chose to abandon the bill that would have changed the Thoroughbred Racing Act.
On Friday, in the immediate fallout from the overnight coup, Thoroughbred Breeders NSW president Hamish Esplin told ANZ Bloodstock News: “TBNSW’s attitude towards this has consistently been focused on issues of corporate governance.
“We’ve been very clear about that and we’ve written to successive ministers on that point. At no time have we received a formal response to our concerns.
“But now to learn that the proposal to extend the chairperson’s term again is not proceeding, to me that says that ultimately the issues like corporate governance are extremely important.”
TBNSW had threatened to take legal action against the state if Balding’s term was extended for a third time.
Details about the Expression of Interest process will soon be available on the Office of Racing website, www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/office-of-racing/key-appointments